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FuHLshr!d by ./on" L^uivitt. 'Nr-wTn-h: 
a^i,y Crocker ^Btvwsler. Boston J82y 



A MEMOIR 



OF THE 



REV. liEGH RICHMOND, A.M. 

AUTHOR .OF THE 
DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER, YOUNG COTTAGER, &.. 




REV. T.^ S? GRIMSHAWE, A. M. 

OTOa OP BURTON-LATIMER, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, AND VICAR OF BIDDBKIIA 
BEDFORDSHIRE. 



ABRIDGED 

BY THE REV. WILLIAM PATTON, A. M. 
— »@-<^- 

PUBLISHED BY J. LEAVITT, 183 BROADWiAY. 

BOSTON: 
Crocker & Brewster, 47 Washington Street. 

1829: 



J9Z9 OL. 



Southern District of JVew YorJc^ ss. 

BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the twenty-seventh 
day of December, A. D. 1828, in the fifty-third year of the In- 
dependence of the United States of America, Jonathan Leavitt, of 
the said District, hath deposited in this office the title of a Book, 
the right whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following, 
to wit : 

" A Memoir of the Rev. Legh Richmond, A. M., author of the 
Dairyman's Daughter, Young Cottager, &c. By the Rev. T. 
S. Grimshawe, A M., Rector of Burton-Latimer, Northampton- 
shire ; and Vicar of Biddenliam, Bedfordshire. Abridged by the 
Rev. William Patton, A. M.'' 

In conformity to the Act of Congress of the United States, enti- 
tled " An Act for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the 
copies of Maps Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprietors 
of such copies,' during the time therein mentioned." And also to 
an Act, entitled *- an Act, supplementary to an act, entitled an Act 
for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, 
Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, 
during the times therein mentioned, and extending the benefits 
thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical 
and other prints." 

FRED. J. BETTS, 
Clei'k of the Seuthern District of JVc?(/ York. 



Vati^erpDpl & Cole, Printers. 



By Transfer 
0. C. Public Library 
OCT 1 6 ^^^ 



>.j:t<l5 ^ fofiS'BlA PROS«SRTY 



^ TR4NSF£HRfiD>R0MJBUB5aIC LIEPARV 



ir-r 

O In our religious and intelligent community, there must be 
a very general curiosity to become intimately acquainted 
with one> whose writings have been read with so much de- 
light and profit, as those of Legh Richmond. The Editor 
of the following pages* has therefore washed to afford 
America!) readers a full view of his character and senti- 
ments, and of the most important incidents of his life. Still 
it has seemed proper to omit some paragraphs and sen- 
tences of a local nature and some observations and reflec- 
tions of the original Compiler, which might be interesting 
and useful in England, but not so much so in this country. 
The omission of those, and of large extracts from the 
Diaryman's Daughter, and other writings already in exten- 
sive circulation, has much reduced the price of the volume, 
and thus, it may be hoped, will greatly extend its usefulness. 
In making tliese omissions, the Editor has not lelied solely 
on his own judgment, but has been privileged with the advice 
and cordial approbation of two of his ministerial brethren 
of this city, of the same Christian denomination of which 
Legh Richmond was so distinguished an ornament. Thus 
abridged, the book is now affectionately commended to the 
intelligent and good of every name. 

W. P. 
New York, Dec. 22, 1828. 



CONTENTS^ 



CHAP. r. 

Page. 
liirth of Legh Richnond — His ancestry; education; 
and incidents of early years — Promise of talent — 
Completion of his education at School. • . . 1 

CHAP. n. 

Comprising the period from his entrance at the Uni- 
versity, till his marriage^ and acceptance of the cu- 
racy of Brading in the Isle of Wight, ... 6 

CHAP: HI. 

Ilis entrance on his professional duties — Remarkable 
change in his vietvs and conduct and the incident 
that occasioned it — Reflections on the foregoing 
event 15 

CHAP. IV. 

Dcvelopement of his character — Dedication of his time 
and thoughts to prof table objects — Fondness for the 
scenes of nature — Spiritual reflections upon them — 
Zeal in his ministerial duties — Extracts from Let- 
ters and Diary — Remarks on the foregoing — 
Poetry, . , , 20 



VI CONTENTS. 

CHAP. V. 

Page 
His removal from the Isle of Wight — Temporary 
connexion with the Lock Hospital, in London, and 
final settlement at Turvey. ....... 46 

CHAP. VL 

Commencement of his ministerial labours at Tnrvey — 
former state of the parish — Plans and exertions fm* 
its improvement — Judicious rules and regulations 
(f his Friendly Society — Effects of his exertions 
• — His Fathers of the English Church: — Doctrine 
and mode of preaching — Brief reflections on 
controversy, * 54 

CHAP. vn. 

His talent for extempore preaching — Family letters— 
Commencement of the editor's acquaintance ivith him 
— Public Societies. 80- 

CHAP. vm. 

Remew of his anniversary sermon for the Church 
Missionary Society — Meeting at Bedford, in behalf 
of the Jews — Bedfordshire Bible Society — Tours 
for the Jerrisk and Church Missionary Societies — 
Extracts fro7n his Journal 103 

CHAP. IX. 

Extracts from his Journal — Success of these tours — 
Effect on the interests of religion — His own improve- 
ment — That of his parish and family, , . . 13.*^- 



CONTENTS. vii 

CHAP. X. 

Publication of his tracts — Review of them — Their 
great popularity and extensive circulation, <S^c. — 
Ainerican editions — Remarks on the suiject — Mr, 
Richmond's connexion with the Tract Society, 1 64 

CHAP. XL 

Made chaplain to the Duke of Kent — Mrs. Richmond's 
illness — New schoolroom — Report of his son's 
death — Embarrassment on account of ' the F thers 
of the English Church' — Interview with the Empe- 
ror of Russia — Letters to and from his Imperial 
Majesty — Princess Metstchersky — Letters to Mrs, 
Livius — Verses written on the marriage of a friend's 
daughter I74 

CHAP. xri. 

Letters — Poetry — Description of lake scenery — Brief 
account of his tour in Scotland— His sentiments on 
Oratorios 200 

CHAP. xm. 

Tribute to the memory of his mother 216 

CHAP. XIV. 

Letter and copy of verses — Extracts from Diary — 
Tours to Scotland — lona — Letters ; friendly, fami- 
ly, and pastoral — Memoir of Miss Sinclair, 248 



Vm CONTENTS. 

CHAP. XV. 

Page 
Death of his infant — Marriage of his eldest daughter 
— Visit to the North of Ireland — Texts on the walls 
of his church — Extract of a letter to his daughter* 
F, — Isle of Wight tour — Pastoral letter — Jour- 
nal — His son Wilberforce^ s illness, and death — 
Marriage of his daughter H — Nugenfs shipwreck 
and death — Apocryphal question — Mr. Richmond's 
opinion en the mode of preaching to the Jews — 
Journey to Cromer — Conversation with the editor — 
Meditation in his study 275 

CHAP. XVI. 

Closing scene — Funeral — Remarks on his character 
• — Conclusion 321 



MEMOIRS. 



— ^^^\^^ 



CHAPTER I. 



Birth of Legli Richmond — his ancestry ; education ; and 
incidents of early years — Promise of talent — Completion 
of his education at school. 

The Rev. Legh Richmond was descended from an an- 
cestry highly respectable on the side of both his parents, 
each of whom was related to some of the principal families 
in the counties of Lancaster and Chester. He was the son 
of Henry Richmond Esq., M. D., who practised as a phy- 
sician, first at Liverpool, and afterward at Bath, where he 
resided for several years previously to his death, which oc- 
curred at Stockport, in Cheshire, in the year 1806 ; of 
which place his father, the Rev. Legh Richmond, had been 
rector. 

Dr. Henry Richmond, was the fifth in lineal male descent 
from Oliver Richmond Esq., of Ashton Keynes, in the 
county of Wilts, on which estate his ancestors had resided 
from the time of the Conquest. 

The mother of Mr. Richmond, was the daughter of John 
Atherton Esq., of Walton Hall, near Liverpool, and by the 
maternal side first cousin to Dr. Henry Richmond. " 

2 



2 MEMOIRS OF THE 

As some additional particulars of the family appear w 
the progress of this work, recorded by his own pen, any 
farther statement in this place is superfluous. 

Mr. Richmond was born at Liverpool, on January 29th? 
1772. It was his privilege to have a most estimable mo- 
ther, endued with a superior understanding, which had been 
cultivated and improved by an excellent education and sub- 
sequent reading. In addition to her natural talents and 
acquirements, she was piously disposed. 

This affectionate and conscientious parent anxiously in- 
structed him, from his infancy, in the Holy Scriptures, and 
in the principles of true religion, according to the best of 
her ability; a debt, which was subsequently well repaid by 
her son, who became the happy and honoured instrument 
of imparting to his beloved mother clearer and more en- 
larged views of divine truth than were generally prevalent 
during the last generation. It seems highly probable that 
the seeds of piety were then sown, which in a future period, 
and under circumstances of a providential nature, were 
destined to produce a rich and abundant harvest.* 

It was in the period of his childhood, that the accident 
occurred which occasioned the lameness to which he was 
subject during the remainder of his life. In leaping over a 
Avail, he fell with violence to the ground, and injured the 
left leg, so as to contract its growth, and afterward to im- 
pair its use. It is a remarkable coincidence, that some- 
what of a similar occurrence befel one of his own sons, and 
was attended with precisely the same effects. It was in 

* " Could we v/ithout sacrilege enter the sanctuary of a mother'* 
bosom, we might whisper a taie that would account for the distin- 
o-uished usefulness with which God has condescended to favour 
some of the best of men. Many a godly mother can say — I have 
had peculiar solicitudes respecting this child. Even before its birth, 
I dedicated it to the Lord ; and then engaged that it should be un- 
reservedly devoted to his glory. And when the little immortal was 
committed to my arms, with many prayers and tears did I renew 
my engagements, till it was strongly impressed on my mind, that 
God had heard my cry 'and accepted my offering. — Springes Life of 
S. Y. Mills. A. E. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 3 

consequence of this accident, that Mr. Richmond received 
the rudiments of his early education under the sole tuition 
of his father, who was an excellent classical scholar, and 
well acquainted with literature in general. 

In addition to his proficiency in classical and other ele- 
mentary studies, he made considerable progress, during 
this period, in the science of music ; a predilection for 
which, he retained to the end of his life. 

The activity of his mind soon began to develope itself 
Some specimens of the productions of his early years have 
been preserved, by the partiality of his friends ; and as 
youthful talent generally delights to assume a poetical form, 
his first eflTorts were devoted to the Muses. 

The following parody on " Hamlet's Soliloquy" is one of 
the earliest of his juvenile compositions. It was written 
when he was only eleven years of age The occasion of 
its production was the general habit which then prevailed 
of wearing hair powder. 

" To be, or not to be in powder? — This is the question : — 
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to bear 
The plagues and torments of a powdered head, 
Or to take arms a.^ainst a round of fashions, 
And by opposing, end them ? — To pomatum — to daub — 
No more ; — and, by a daub, to say. 
We end the bickerings and chattering? 
Of a trifling world : — 'tis a consummation 
Devoutly to be wished for. — To powder — to pomatum — 
Perchance to spoil my hair : — aye, there's the rub ; 
For in that woiful ruin of my hair 
What dreadful consequences may ensue ! 
Yet, who can bear the whips and scorns of fashion I 
I'd spend my days beneath a barber's hands,- 
And breathe within a shower of falling powder ; 
But that the dread of something greater still — 
The certain ruin of my auburn hair. 
Puzzles the will, and racks the tortured brain — 
Oh, dreadful thought ! It sinks the rising courage, 
And of my pride the current turns away. 
Powder — pomatum — barbers — all, adieu !" 



J MEMOIRS OF THE 

Lines written about the same period : 

" Before the €»arth and sea to man were given, 
Or stars were spotted o'er the crystal heaven ; 
The face of Nature was throu«^hout the same — 
A rugged heap, and Chaos was its name ; 
Nor any thing, but piled up heaps were the. e, 
And earth and sea were mixed with fire and air : 
No radiant sun by day afforded light, 
Nor wani.'g Phoebe shone in midst of night; 
Nor the earth self-poised in fluid air was placed, 
Or sea, with circling arms, the earth embraced," 

The next specimen of versification, was written at the 
ac[e of twelve. 

ON THE MORNING. 

*' Behold, the earth is clad in sober gray, 
And twinkling stars foretell the approach of day. 
The hare runs timid o'er the bladed grass, 
And early shepherds on the meadows pass. 
In splendid majesty the morning star 
Welcomes Aurora, in her rosy car. 
The lark, the early herald of the morn, 
Whose tender sides soft gentle plumes adorn, 
Flies from her nest above all human sight. 
And to the skies sublime she bends her flight. 
Her pleasing notes the ambient hills repeat. 
And day o'er half the world resumes its seat ; 
Th*^ splendent sun's ethereal light appears. 
And Nature wipes away her dewy tears.—" 

The following lines in imitation of Pope, may be consi- 
dered as no unsuccessful illustration of the poet's rule : 

' 'Tis not enough, no harshness gives offence, 
The sound should seem an echo to the sense,' — 

*♦ The line should soften when the bleat of sheep, 
And gentle zephyrs sooth to placid sleep ; 
When din of rattling thunderbolts is heard, 
The roughest words to softer are preferred. 
When purling rivulets translucent glide, 
The liquid letters then should form a tide. 



REV. LEGH RICHMONJ). O 

Within a labyrinth, the line seems vext, 

Mazy, inextricable, and perplext. 

But when the rou§;her storms fierce rag^e on high, 

And heave the angry billows to the sky ; 

When rattling rain comes hissing down in showers, 

And to the whirlpool in a torrent pours ; 

The line should rage, and every letter move, 

As if great Jove was storming from above." 

In the year 1784, when Mr. Richmond was twelve years 
of age, he was placed under the care of Mr. Breach, of 
Reading, for the purpose of obtaining further assistance on 
account of his lameness, as well as to pursue the course of 
his education. 

Mr. Richmond was subsequently removed to Blandford, 
in Dorsetshire, under the care and tuition of the Rev. Mr. 
Jones, vicar of Loders and curate of Blandford ; and ha- 
ving made a very creditable proficiency in his studies, and 
completed his education at school, he was finally sent, in the 
year 1789, being then seventeen years of age, to the univer- 
sity of Cambridge. 



fi MExMOIRS OF THE 



CHAPTER II. 

Comprising the period from his entrance at the University y. 
till his marriage and acceptance of the curacy of Brad- 
ing in the Isle of Wight, 

Mr. Richsiond was entered at Trinity College^ 
Cambridge, in the month of August 1789. The follow- 
ing particulars have been communicated in a letter from 
the Reverend A. J. Crespin, vicar of Renhold, Bedford- 
shire, a cotemporary of his in the University, and with 
whom he formed an intimate friendship, which continued 
to the period of his death. 

'<I perfectly well remember, that our dear departed 
friend came to Cambridge for admission about Midsunmfier, 
in the year 1789. I was just one year his senior. It was 
then the custom at Trinity College, that one of the under 
graduates should take the candidate for admission to the 
dean, and to one or two others, and then to the master, for 
examination It fell to my lot to perform this office for 
Legh Richmond, and thus our friendship commenced. 
He came into residence, according to the usual plan, in 
the following October ; we were both among the candi- 
dates for foundation scholarships, and after a public ex- 
amination of two or three days, we were happy on finding 
our names among the successful candidates ; and as we 
afterward dined every day at the same table, the bands of 
our friendship were drawn still closer. * * 

" I can with perfect truth affirm, that during the under- 
graduateship of Mr. Richmond, he applied himself closely 
to his studies, and was considered and acknowledged by all. 
to be a young man of great abilities and correct conduct/' 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 7 

A letter from the Rev. William Tate, Chaplain of the 
Dock-yard, Portsmouth, and tutor of the Naval Academy, 
contains a further and more detailed account of Mr. 
Richmond's residence at college. 

** Mr. Richmond and myself were of the same year at 
Cambridge, and had the same college tutor, the late Rev. 
Thomas Jones. We were not, however, in the same lec- 
ture room till within a year of our going out A. B. ; hence, 
our intimacy did not commence till about the beginning of 
1793. Mr. Richmond came to college with a high cha- 
racter for his proficiency, both in classics and mathematics. 
In fact, I often heard him spoken of as hkely to be one of 
the third or fourth highest wranglers. At the annual col- 
lege examination in May, he was each year in the first class, 
and consequently was a prize-man I do not recollect 
that he ever was a candidate for a University prize ; indeed 
I think that although he was an extremely good classic, 
he did not consider himself sufficiently practised in writing 
Greek or Latin verse, to venture a competition in this 
respect with the distinguished men from the great public 
schools 

" That he had a great fondness for social life is not to 
be wondered at, as he was so well informed on most sub- 
jects, and had such a fluency of language that conversa- 
tion with him never flagged, and his company was generally 
acceptable. He visited at the Lodge, Dr. Postlethwaith 
being then master, and was noticed by some of the senior fel- 
lows, in consequence, I presume, of their having been friends 
of his father. Dr. Richmond, who had himself been a fel- 
low of the college, and whose name stands m the Tripos as 
having been the tenth senior optime, in January 1764. 

*« Mr. Richmond's great recreation was music, in which 
I suppose you are aware he was eminently skilled. He 
always had a piano-forte in his room, and played on the 
organ also. To any tune he could, as he played, make an 
extempore thorough bass. His musical talents gave rise 
to a great intimacy and friendship with the late Dr. Hague, 
the professor of music, and also with Dr. Jowett, then tutor 



8 MEMOIRS OF THE 

of Trinity Hall, who used to have frequent musical parties 
at his apartments, at which I believe Mr. Richmond was 
generally present. He was at all times attentive to the 
studies of the University, and preserved, throughout, the 
character of a reading man. Mr. Copley (now the Lord 
Chancellor) had apartments directly under those of Mr, 
Richmond, and as they were both reading hard, they com- 
monly, for some months before taking the degree of A. B. 
had coffee together after midnight. He went through the 
public exercises of the schools, preparatory to his degree, 
with great credit and he was accordingly placed by the 
moderator in the first class. He did not however, go into 
the senate-house to stand the final examination, owing to 
ill health. 

Mr. Richmond for some years was collecting materials 
for a great work, which he intended to publish, on the 
theory as well as history of music. After taking his dcr 
gree, he applied himself with great ardour to his favourite 
study, and took much pains to provide materials for his in- 
tended musical publication, which he hoped might be ready 
for the press in the course of two or three years. I have 
frequently sat with him, while, for hours together, he was 
making experiments with his musical plates, of which he 
had a great number made, some of glass and some of cop- 
per, of all the common regular forms ; as circles, ellipses, 
squares, rhombuses, pentagons, &.c. These he screwed 
down at a particular point, so as to be perfectly horizontal ; 
and then, having sprinkled fine sand over the surface, the 
bow of a fiddle w^as drawn across the edge, so as to bring 
out a musical note ; and, by the vibration thus caused, the 
sand was shaken from the vibrating parts, and became col- 
lected in one line or more, formed by the quiescent points. 
It seems very remarkable, that whenever that particular 
note which was the fundamental of any plate was sounded 
by it, the sand invariably took the form of a cross, having 
its centre in the centre of the plate. All other notes which 
could be sounded by the same plate, diverged from the 
fundamental note, according to a certain scale ; and every 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 9 

one caused the sand to take a different form. Sometimes 
it seemed to take the figure of two opposite hyperbolas ; 
but in whatever form it rested, the figures on the different 
sides of a straight hue, drawn through the centre of the 
plate> were exactly the counterparts of each other. The 
lines formed by the quiescent points, in the vibration of 
such plates, were calculated by Euler, as may be seen by 
the Transactions of the Imperial Society of Petersburgh 
(^Acta PetropoUtana ;) but the results are little satisfactory, 
being commonly expressed in hyperbolic forms, and not 
assuming a tangible shape. 

" About this time Mr, Richmond was member of a small 
club, formed by six or eight Trinity men, for the discus- 
sion of phih)sophical subjects They met once a week, at 
each other's rooms ; and, to prevent expense in giving 
suppers, nothing more was to be provided than red-herrings, 
bread, cheese, and beer. .Hence they called this society 
the " Red-herring Club." The respectability of the mem- 
bers appears from this circumstance, that nearly every one 
obtained a fellowship. Mr. Richmond took a leading 
part at this time in another small society, which was named 
*' The Harmonic Society." The members were musical 
amateurs, who, in turn, gave a concert every fortnight, at 
which, with the help of two or three hired musicians, they 
performed pieces out of Handel and other celebrated com- 
posers, together with catches, glees &c. In 1796 was 
published, by Mr. Dixon, a townsman of Cambridge, and 
one of the members of the Harmonic Society, a collection 
of glees and rounds, for three, four, and five voices, com- 
posed by the members of that society. In this publication, 
out of seventeen pieces, seven were contributed by Mr. 
Richmond. 

"In 1796, Mr. Richmond began seriously to think of 
taking orders, and of marrying on a curacy. In that situa- 
tion, he intended conscientiously to do his duty, though he 
had not the deep sense he afterward entertained of the 
vast importance and responsibility of the charge he was 
about to undertake." 



10 MEMOIRS OF THE 

The important period to which Mr. Tate alludes was 
now arrived, when it became necessary that he should no 
lonfi^er delay his choice of a profession, — that choice, which 
exercises so powerful an influence over all the events and 
circumstances of future life, and in which our usefulness 
and moral responsibility are so deeply involved. 

It was the wish and intention of Mr. Richmond's father 
that he should embrace the profession of the law, with the 
view of being called to the bar ; but after taking his degree, 
the predominant views of his mind are thus expressed in 
the following letter : — 

'^ Cambridge, Feb. IStk, 1794. 

« My dear Father, 

'' It has long been my wish to write to you on the 
subject which has occupied so much of my attention of 
late ; and on w^hich, during the solemn interval of my con- 
finement, I had more frequent opportunities of meditating 
than on any former occasion. I hope and trust that I have 
thought more seriously on this subject, and have pursued a 
more regular train of sound reasoning and self-examination 
on account of my illness, than if 1 had enjoyed an uninter- 
rupted series of good health. The time is now arrived 
when, after having passed through the regular forms of an 
academic education, it is expected that a young.man should 
select his profession ; and on the foundation (which he 
either has, or ought to have laid in the university) of sound 
learning and good morals, should begin to raise a super- 
structure of such materials as may render him an ornament 
to his profession and a satisfaction to his friends. 

" I should here feel myself guilty of much ingratitude, 
or at least of much unpardonable neglect, if I did not, at 
this period of my life, return you my most sincere and un- 
feigned thanks for the repeated testimonies of aflection and 
generosity, which I have experienced for upwards of two- 
and-twenty years at your hands : more especially do I feel 
myself indebted to you, during the last four years, for pla- 
cing me in a situation in which I have enjoyed numberless 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 11 

happy hours ; have formed friendships and connexions, 
v/hich are a source of honest pride and satisfaction ; and 
have had an opportunity (which I hope I have not entirely 
thrown away) of making great proficiency in such studies 
and acquirements, as must and will be the chief basis of 
my future usefulness and happiness. If such be the obli- 
gations which I owe to your kindness, what must be my in- 
sensibility to every tie of affection, and to every principle of 
honourable feeling, were I deficient in my expressions of 
gratitude to the benevolent author of so many blessings. 
No, sir, I am neither ungrateful nor insensible It has not 
been my custom, hitherto, to make long professions, nor to 
enter into a detail of my internal feehngs ; and, perhaps, 
owing to a deficiency of this kind, I may have suffered in 
your opinion, on some particular occasions, more than I 
deserved. It now appears, therefore, to be the more ad- 
visable to unfold myself at large, observing, at the same 
time, that the cliief faults and errors of which I hitherto 
have been, and of which I am still, I fear, too susceptible, 
have not arisen from any source of moral depravity, or in- 
nate viciousness ; but from an evil, which I see much too 
prevalent among young men, and from the contagion of 
which I have not been entirely able to escape ; I mean, 
the want of resolution to resist temptation, when it is op- 
posed to their better convictions. A very moderate ac- 
quaintance with the younger part at least, of mankind, will 
convince any observer, that a certain degree of irresolution 
is by no means inconsistent with many better qualities, and 
often has its origin rather in the influence of external exam- 
ple, than in any real viciousness of the heart. But I can 
truly say that I am very desirous of becoming such as your 
most sanguine washes could expect, and I look up to a su- 
perior Power for assistance not to violate these my resolu- 
tions. 

" It appears to me, that in reviewing the respective 
merits of the different professions, and in determining upon 
one of them, a very intimate self-examination is requisite, 
previous to the formation of any fixed resolution. It has 



12 MEMOIRS OF THE 

been my endeavour for five months past to pursue this difii- 
cult undertaking ; and I hope I have not failed in the at- 
tempt. The church and the law are the two subjects to 
which I have directed my attention. I have consulted my 
own inclinations, abilities, deficiencies, merits, and deme- 
rits, and examined them in as many points of view as I have 
been able, in order to determine which of those professions 
was the best calculated to promote my own, and the wel- 
fare of others. My present determination is in favour of 
the former, principally from the following considerations. 
The sacred profession is in itself without doubt the most res- 
pectable and the most useful in which any man of principle 
and education can possibly be engaged. The benefits 
which it is the province of the clergyman to bestow on his 
fellow creatures are more widely disseminated, and are in 
themselves more intrinsically valuable, than those of every 
other profession or employment united together. To a 
conscientious mind, therefore, that line of life appears to 
be the most eligible, in which he may be enabled to do the 
most solid good to mankind. 

'* One very strong argument with myself for prefening 
the church to the law is, that I have found, firom four years' 
experience, a strong inclination to study several branches 
of literature, which are far more connected with the church 
than with the law, as neither their nature nor the time re- 
quisite to be bestowed upon them would allow the lawyer 
to exercise himself in them. What these are shall be the 
subject of future information to you. At present, my de- 
sire of becoming a very good general scholar is so much 
stronger than that of becoming an extremely good par- 
ticular one, that I am convinced I could not throw aside the 
hopes of pursuing my favourite views in that way, and de- 
dicating myself solely to one, and that perhaps not the most 
inviting, without the utmost regret. 

" Your aflTectionate son, 

"Legh Richmond.*' 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 13 

In these views, the father of Mr. Richmond ultimately 
expressed his acquiescence, though his own wishes inclined 
him to recommend the choice of the bar ; and thus was the 
profession of the church determined upon, for which he 
afterwards proved to be so singularly quahfied, and where 
his influence and services were so widely felt and acknow- 
ledged. 

He continued to reside at Cambridge till the end of the 
Midsummer term, in 1797, pursuing those studies which 
were more immediately connected with his future destina- 
tion. 

The following letter, the last that he wrote from college 
to his father, expresses his sentiments more fully on the 
subject of the ministry, and his preparation for those duties, 
on which he was now on the eve of entering. It is dated 
June 30th, 1797 :— 

'• My dear Father, 

"I take this opportunity of returning you my most 
hearty and sincere thanks for all your kindness to me du- 
ring my stay at Cambridge, for the last (nearly) eight years. 
I look back on the time which I have there spent, with a 
considerable mixture of pain and pleasure. That I have 
done things which I ought not to have done, and neglected 
to do things which I ought to have done, is most true : yet 
have I added very considerably to my stock of literary in- 
formation — have gained the good-will and approbation of 
many respectable and good men — have made acquaintances 
and friends of several literary and worthv characters — have 
enabled myself, I trust, by the improvement of my abilities, 
such as they are, hereafter to maintain myself. I have also 
had an opportunity of contemplating men, manners and 
morals to a very extensive degree ; and finally, in an age of 
much infidelity, and surrounded by many, whose principles 
savoured strongly of irreligion, I have built up a fabric of 
confidence in, and love for, that holy religion of which I am 
now a professor. To this I ultimately look as my future 
guide through life, and hope it will enable me to bear with 



14 MEMOIRS OF THE 

fortitude those evils, which may be .in store for me ; for 
who can expect exemption ? In return for these advan- 
tages, I have only to offer you my gratitude- and my affec- 
tion ; and let what will hereafter become of me^ laear in 
mind that it is not in the power of any thing human to les- 
sen, either the one or the other. I am now preparing to 
undertake what I cannot hut consider as a most serious 
and weighty charge — the sole responsibility, as resident 
clergyman, of two parishes. So far as information is re- 
quired, I hope I have not laboured in vain ; so far as good 
resolution is concerned, I trust, I am not deficient : as re- 
gards my success and future conduct in this important call- 
ing, I pray God's assistance to enable me to do my duty^ 
and to become a worthy member of the Established 
Church ; a church founded on the purest and most exalted 
principles of unsophisticated Christianity, as delivered by 
its divine author himself, and confirmed and explained by 
his inspired successors. The character of a fashionable 
parson is my aversion ; that of an ignorant or careless one, 
I see with pity and contempt ; that of a dissipated one with 
shame ; and that of an unbelieving one with horror. I am 
very busy preparing sermons for my future flock. It re- 
quires much practice to write with fluency and ease. Be- 
lieve me to be, with every sentiment of regard and affection, 

" Your son, 

L. RiCIOIOiND." 

« To Dr. Richmond, 
Grecian Coffee House, London.^'' 

Mr. Richmond was ordained deacon in the month of 
June, 1797, and proceeded to the degree of M. A., the 
begining of July, in the same year. On the 22d of the 
same month, he was married to Mary, only daughter of 
James William Chambers, Esq., of the city of Bath ; imme- 
diately after w^hich, he proceeded to the Isle of Wight, and 
entered upon the curacies of the adjoining parishes of 
Brading and Yaverland, on the 24th of July. He was or- 
dained priest in February, 1798. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 15 



CH\PTER III. 

His entrance on his professional duties — RemarJcable change 
in his views and conduct, and the incident that occasioned 
it — Reflections on the foregoing event. 

Mr. Richmond appears to have entered on the ministry 
with the desire and aim of discharging its important duties 
in a conscientious and consistent manner ; and manifested 
such propriety of conduct in his moral deportment, and in 
the general duties of his new charge, as to procure for him 
the character of a highly respectable and useful young 
clergyman. After he had resided at Bradi'ig about two 
years, a most imf)ortant revolution took place in his views 
and sentiments, which produced a striking and prominent 
change in the manner and matter of his preaching, as well 
as in the general tenor and conduct of his life. The 
change referred to, was not a conversion from immorality 
to morality ; for he was strictly moral in the usual accep- 
tation of the term Neither was it a conversion from he- 
terodoxy to orthodoxy ; but it was a conversion from ortho- 
doxy, in name and profession, to orthodoxy, in its spirit, 
tendency, and influence. But before we indulge in any 
further remarks it is necessary to record the occurrence 
to which we have alluded. About two years after he had 
entered on his curacies, one of his college friends was on 
the eve of taking holy orders, to whom a near relative had 
sent Mr. Wilberforce's "Practical Christianity." This 
thoughtless candidate for the momentous charge of the 
Christian ministry, forwarded the book to Mr. Richmond, 
requesting him to o^ive it a perusal, and to inform him what 
he must say respecting its contents In compliance with 
this request, he Ijegan to read the book, and found himself 
»o deeply interested in its contents, that the volume was 



16 MEMOIRS OF THE 

not laid down before the perusal of it was completed 
The night w^as spent in readinsr, and reflecting upon the 
important truths contained in this valuable and impressive 
work. In the course of his employment, the soul of the 
reader was penetrated to its inmost recesses ; and the ef- 
fect produced by the book of God, in innumerable instan- 
ces, was in this case accomplished by means of a human 
composition. From that period his mind received a pow- 
erful impulse, and was no longer ahle to rest under its for- 
mer impressions. A change was effected in his views of 
divine truth, as derided as it was influential. He was no 
longer satisfied with the creed of the speculatist — he felt a 
conviction of his own state as a guilty and condemned sin- 
ner,^ and under that conviction, he sought mercy at the 
cross of the Saviour. There arose in his mind a solemn 
consciousness that, however outwardly moral and appa- 
rently irreproachable his conduct might aj>|)ear to men ; 
yet within, there was wanting that entire surrender of the 
heart, that ascendency of God m the soul, and that devoted- 
ness of life and conduct, winch distinguishes morality from 
holiness — an assent to divine truth, from its cordial recep- 
tion into the heart ; and the externa! profession of religion, 
from its inward and translorming power. The impressions 
awakened were theiefore followed by a transfer of his lime, 
his talent^^ and his affections^ to the service of his God and 
Saviour, and to the spiritual welfare of the flock committed 
to his care. But while his mind was undergoing this in- 
ward process, it is necessary to state how laborious he was 
in his search aOer truth The Bible became the frequent 
and earnest subject of his examination, prayer and medita- 
tion. His object was fontes hanrire sacros-^io exphne 
truth at its fountain head or, in tl e emphatic language of 
Scripture, to '* draw water out of the wells of salvation " — 
Isa. xii 3. From the study of the Bible, he proceeded to 
a minute examination of the writings of the Reformers, 
which, by a singular coincidence, came into his pos- 
session shortly after this [)eriod ; and having from these 
various sources acquired increasing certainty as to the cor- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 17 

rectness of his recent convictions, and stability in holding 
them, he found what the sincere, and conscientious in- 
quirer will always find, the I'ruth ; and his heart being in- 
terested, he learnt truth through the heart, and believed 
it, because he felt it. 

His own account of the effect produced on his mind by 
the perusal of Mr. Wilberforce's book, will excite the in- 
terest of the reader. Speaking of his son Wilberforce, he 
remarks : — 

" He was baptized by the name of Wilberforce, in con- 
sequence of my personal friendship with that individual, 
whose name long has been, and ever will be, allied to all that 
is able, amiable, and truly (Christian. That gentleman had 
already accepted the office of sponsor to one of my daugh- 
ters ; but the subsequent birth of this boy, afforded me the 
additional satisfaction of more familiarly associating his 
name with that of my family. But it was not the tie of 
ordinary friende^hip, nor the veneration which, in common 
with multitudes, I felt for the name of Wilberforce, which 
induced me to give that name to my child : there had for 
many years past, subsisted a tie between myself and that 
much-loved friend, of a higher and more sacred character 
than any other which earth can afford. I feel it to be a 
debt of gratitude which f owe to God and to man, to take 
this affecting opportunity of stating, that to the unsought 
and unexpected introduction of Mr. Wilberforce's book 
on * Practical Christianity' I owe, through God's mercy, 
the first sacred impression which I ever received, as to 
the spiritual nature of the Gospel system, the vital cha- 
racter of personal religion, the corruption of the human 
heart, and the way of salvation by Jesus Christ. As a 
young minister, recently ordained, and just entrusted with 
the charge of two parishes in the Isle of Wight, I had com- 
menced my labours too much in the spirit of the world, 
and founded my public instructions on the erroneous no- 
lions which prevailed among my academical and literary 
associates. The scriptural principles stated in the * Prac- 
tical View,' convinced me of my error ; led me to thestudv 

3^ 



18 



MEMOIRS OF THE 



of the Scriptures with an earnestness to which I had hi- 
therto been a stranger ; humbled my heart, and brought 
me to seek the love and blessing of that Saviour, who alone 
can afford a peace which the world cannot give. Through 
the study of this book, I was induced to examine the 
writings of the British and foreign Reformers. I saw the 
coincidence of their doctrines with those of tlie Scriptures, 
and those which the word of God taught me to be essential 
to the welfare of myself and my flock. I know too well 
what has passed within my heart, for now a long period of 
time ; not to feel and to confess, tl}at to this incident I was 
indebted, originally, for those solid views of Christianity, 
on which I rest my hope for time and eternity. May I not, 
then, call the honoured author of that book my spiritual 
father? and if my spiritual father, therefore my best earth- 
ly friend ? The wish to connect his name with my own, 
was natural and justifiable. It was a lasting memorial of 
the most important transaction of my life : it still lives 
amidst the tenderness of present emotions, as a signal of 
endearment and gratitude ; and I trust its character is 
imperishable." 

Though Mr. Richmond's mind and heart were experi- 
encing the remarkable change that has been recorded, it 
is necessary to state, that the regularity and decorum with 
which he was previously discharging his duties, far ex- 
ceeded those of many other ministers. If then, notwith- 
standing these exertions, he was still conscious how much 
he fell short of the standard of ministerial faithfulness and 
zeal, and the requirements of personal holiness : may we 
not ask, what ought to be the convictions of those who 
evince a far less degree of earnestness, where the claims 
are precisely the same, and the obligations to fulfil them are 
equally binding ? If he felt the need within, of a more ope- 
rative principle of divine grace, as the only genuine source 
of inward and external holiness ; what must be their state 
who, with greater dcficiences, experience no conflict of 
the mind, no secret misgivings of the conscience ? If, in 
his ardent inquiry after truth, he meditated over the sacred 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 19 

page, and explored the voluminous writings of the Refor- 
mers ; what is their responsibility who rest in a system, 
without an endeavour to ascertain its correctness ; who 
give to the world the hours sacred to prayer and study ; or 
who appropriate their time too exclusively to objects, which, 
however praiseworthy in themselves, are not sufficiently 
identified with their profession, nor calculated to promote 
their advancement in grace and holiness ? 

The principal error in Mr. Richmond's former views, 
consisted in this, viz., that they were deficient in the grand 
characteristic features of the Gospel. Not that he disbelieved 
a single doctrine which the Gospel inculcates ; but his con- 
ceptions were far from being definite, clear, and compre- 
hensive. They wanted the elevation and spirituality of the 
Christian system. They were founded more on the stand- 
ard of morality, than on that of the Gospel ; and therefore 
were defective as it respects the motive and end of all hu- 
man actions, the two essential properties that constitute an 
action acceptable in the sight of a holy God. A Heathen 
may be moral, a Christian must be more ; for though true 
religion will always comprise morality, yet morality may 
exist without religion. There was a confusion also in his 
notion of faith and works, and of the respective offices and 
design of the law and of the Gospel. The Saviour was 
not sufficiently exalted, nor the sinner humbled ; and there 
was wanting the baptism of '' the Holy Ghost and offire.^'' 
— Matt. iii. 11. His sermons, partaking of course of the 
same character, were distinguished indeed by solidity of 
remarks, force of expression, strong appeals to the con- 
science, and a real and commendable zeal for the interests 
of morality ; but they went no further. As regarded the 
great end of the Christian ministr)^ — the conversion of im- 
mortal souls — they were powerless ; for moral sermons can 
produce nothing but moral efiects ; and it is the Gospel 
alone that is " mighty through God to the pulling dou>n of 
the strong holds of sin ; and bringing into captivity every 
thought to the obedience of Christ,'' — 2 Cor. x. 4, 5. 



•20 MEMOIRS OF THF 



CHAPTER IV. 

Developement of his character — Dedication of his time and 
thoughts to profitable objects — Fondness for the scenes 
of Nature — Spiritual reflections upon them — Zeal in his 
ministerial duties — Extracts from Letters and Diary — 
Remarks on the foregoing — Poetry, 

In the preceding chapter, we have recorded the re- 
markable change of which Mr Richmond was the subject. 
We shall now proceed to illustrate it by its effects, which 
form the best evidence of its existence, and one of the 
strongest arguments for its necessity. With this view, we 
shall consider its operation and influence on the qualities 
of his mind and heart — his ministerial habits — his episto- 
lary correspondence — and the more solemn and impressive 
exposure of the inward recesses of his soul. 

In our intercourse with men, we meet with an almost 
endless diversity of character ; and he who studies human 
nature, is apt to classify those who are the subjects of his 
contemplation, according to their respective shades and 
gradations. But how painful is the discovery, when we 
see persons endowed with the finer qualifications of the 
mind, and the interesting sensibilities of the heart, wasting, 
on unprofitable objects, the powers which, rightly directed, 
might render their possessor the instrument of extensive 
usefulness and good. We cannot help feeling, that there 
is wanting the heavenly spark to. kindle the holy flame 
within. We seem to behold a beautiful and imposing 
structure, but it is not occupied by the rightful owner. 
The Lord of the mansion is absent, and a stranger has 
usurped his place. We turn with disappointment from the 
scene, exclaiming, " God is not there ;" and if God be not 
there, how can they ever be with God ? Nor can we with- 



REV. LEGH RICHxMOXD. 21 

hold the prayer, that ere long the fatal illusion may cease, 
and the chain of the captive be broken. 

In Mr. Richmond every qualification became consecrated 
to religion. His imagination, taste, affections and endow- 
ments received an impulse which directed all their energies 
to the glory of God, and to useful and profitable purposes. 

To illustrate what we have said, we subjoin the follow- 
ing passage, which not only shows his powers for descrip- 
tive scenery, but proves, that in admiring the works of 
Providence, he never failed to associate with them the con- 
templation of the wonders of his grace. 

" It was not unfrequently my custom, when my mind 
was filled with any interesting subject for meditation, to 
seek some spot where the beauties of natural prospect 
might help to form {^leasing and useful associations. 

" South-eastward I saw the open ocean, bounded only 
by the horiz,on. The sun shone, and gilded the waves 
with a glittermg light, that sparkled in the most brilliant 
manner. ........ 

On the north the sea appeared like a noble river, varying 
from three to seven miles in breadth, between the banks 
of the opposite coast, and those of the island which I in- 
habited.* Immediately underneath me, was a fine woody 
district of country, diversified by many pleasing objects. 
Distant towns were visible on the opposite shore. Num- 
bers of ships occupied the slieltered station which this 
northern channel afforded them. The eye roamed with de- 
light over an expanse of near and remote beauties, which 
alternately caught the observation, and which harmonized 
together, and produced a scene of peculiar interest." 

The reflections awakened by these scenes are thus ex- 
pressed. 

" How much of the natural beauties of Paradise still re- 
main in the world, although its spiritual character has been 
r^.o awfully defaced by sin ! But when divine grace renews 
the heart of the fallen sinner. Paradise is regained, and 

♦The Isle of Wight. 



•22 MEMOIRS OF THE 

much of its beauty restored to the soul. As this prospect 
is compounded of hill and dale, land and sea, woods and 
plains, all sweetly blended together, and relieving each 
other in the landscape ; so do the gracious dispositions, 
wrought in the soul, produce a beauty and harmony of 
scene, to which it was before a stranger." 

Again, we insert one more brief reflection. 

** What do they not lose, who are strangers to serious 
meditation, on the wonders and beauties of created nature 1 
How gloriously the God of creation shmes in his works I 
Not a tree, nor leaf, nor flower ; not a bird nor insect, but 
it proclaims in glowing language, ' God made me.' " 

In his parochial engagements, we find him fulfilling all 
the duties of an active and zealous parish priest. The im- 
portant and essential doctrines of the Gospel, were now 
made the powerful and aflc^ctinjr themes of his public ad- 
dresses. As we shall have occasion elsewhere to enter in- 
to a minute detail of the subject and manner of his preach- 
ing, it is suflicient in thi«- place to obsfTve, that man's fallen 
and ruined state, and his deliverance and redemption by Jesus 
Christ, formed the grand outline of his discourses ; and if the 
truth be best estimated by its eflPects, he could appeal to 
unquestionable evidences that he proclaimed it ; for God 
blessed it, and numerous converts attf^sted its eflScacy and 
power. No such discoverable results appeared in his for- 
mer ministry, because it was incompetent to produce them. 
In addition to thft usual and appointed duties of the Sab- 
bath, he visited his flock, and went from house to house, 
taking care not to make these opportunities the mere occa- 
sion of friendly and cf)ndescendintr intercourse, but the 
means of real improvem^^nt, and spiritual edification. The 
children of Brading were also the objects of his tender soli- 
citude. They were in the habit of repairing to him every 
Saturday, for the purpose of reliijious instruction ; and his 
memoirs of < Little Jane,' records one of the happy results 
of these youthful meetings. 

Within the parish of Bradin*i was situated the hamlet of 
Bembridge, at the distance of about two miles. To this 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 23 

place Mr. Richmond went once in every week, to expound 
the Scriptures, and to meet those who, through age and 
infirmity or other causes, were unable to attend the parisli 
church. A chapel of ease has since been erected, and 
consecrated in the summer of 1827. There was also 
another hamlet, called Arreton, where he was accustomed 
to meet the poor, for religious edification. He had like- 
wise the care of the parish of Yaverland , and as the scenes 
of his early piety and zeal cannot but be interesting to his 
numerous friends, the following description so completely 
localises every object, and presents them so vividly to the 
imagination, that we insert it in his own words : 

" I had the spiritual charge of another parish, adjoining 
to that in which I resided. It was a small district, and had 
but few inhabitants. The church was pleasantly situated 
on a rising bank, at the foot of a considerable hill. It was 
surrounded by trees, and had a rural, retired appearance. 
Close to the church-yard stood a large old mansion, 
which had formerly been the residence of an opulent and 
titled family ; but it had long since been appropriated to 
the use of the estate, as a farm-house. Its outward as- 
pect bore considerable remains of ancient grandeur, and 
gave a pleasing character to the spot of ground on which 
the church stood. In every direction the roads that led to 
this house of God possessed distinct but interesting fea- 
tures. One of them ascended between several rural cot- 
tages, from the sea-shore, which adjoined the lower part of 
the village street. Another winded round the curved sides 
of an adjacent hill, and was adorned, both above and below, 
with numerous sheep, feeding on the herbage of the down! 
A third road led to the church by a gently-rising approach, 
between high banks, covered with young trees, bushes, ivy, 
hedge-plants, and wild flowers. 

'< From a point of land which commanded a view of all 
these several avenues, I used sometimes for a while to watch 
my congregation gradually assembhng together at the hour 
of Sabbath worship. They were in some directions visible 
for a considerable distance. Gratifying associations of 



24 ' MEMOIRS OF THE 

thougiit would form in my mind, as I contemplated iheit 
approach and successive arrival within the precints of the 
house of prayer." 

His reflections on this occasion are thus interestingly ex- 
pressed : — 

" How many immortal souls are now gathering together 
to perform the all-important work of prayer and praise — 
to hear the word of God — to feed upon the bread of life 1 
They are leaving their respective dwellings, and will soon 
be united together in the house of prayer. ^How beauti- 
fully does this represent the effect produced by the voice 
of * the good Shepherd,' calling his sheep from every part 
of the wilderness into his fold ! As these fields, hills, and 
lanes are now covered with men, women, and children, in 
various directions, drawing nearer to each other, and to the 
object of their journey's end ; even so, ' many shall come 
from the east and from the west, and from the north and 
from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of 
God.' " 

In the year 1801 he formed a society at Brading, which 
proved an occasion of much benefit ; the rules and regu- 
lations being peculiarly calculated to promote order, so- 
briety, and religion. This society met every Wednesday 
evening, and he himself assumed the office of director.* 
The members of whom it was composed, were such as 

* The following regulation will afford a general idea of the 
character and object of this society : 

" The society will meet every Wednesday evenings when the 
director will attend, for the purpose of explaining the holy Scrip- 
tures, the Liturgy of the Church of England, and other such godly 
books as he may think useful and profitable for the instruction and 
edification of the members ; giving them such friendly and Chris- 
tian exhortation and counsel as each or all of them may require ; 
answering any questions which they may wish to propose, respect- 
ing the meaning and design of the word of God, and their own con- 
duct and religious progress in general ; and joining in prayer with 
them to Almighty God, for a blessing^ upon themselves, their fami- 
lies, their neighbours, and their country, and the whole Church of 
God, wherever dispersed in the world." 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 25 

had derived advantages from his ministry, and were sin- 
cerely desirous of advancing in knowledge and true holi- 
ness. 

To the soldiers that were occasionally quartered in that 
part of the country, he was mad€ highly useful by his preach- 
ing. The history of one of those men is remarkable. It 
is recorded at length in a communication inserted in the 
* Christian Observer,' for the year 1802 (p. 772.) Being 
too long for insertion here, the substance of it is as fol- 
lows : — 

*' A young soldier, one day, introduced himself to Mr. 
Richmond, in company with one of his comrades, begging 
to know if he would kindly purchase from him a few cler- 
gyman's bands, and some manuscript sermons. Being 
asked by what means they came into his possession, he 
stated, with much embarrassment, that his history was 
wholly unknown to his companions in arms> but that being 
thus urged, he would recount the painful circumstances of 
his past life. He proceeded to declare that he was the son 
of a clergyman in Wales — that he himself had been re- 
gularly ordained, and officiated during three years on a cu- 
racy in the county of W ; that disorderly habits, and 

debts incurred without the possibility of discharging them, 
had brought him at length to ruin and disgrace ; and that, 
to avoid imprisonment, he had been induced to enhst as 
a common soldier — that he had served in the last campaign 
in Holland, and was then about to proceed with the army, 
in the expedition to Alexandria, under Sir Ralph Aber- 
crombie. He added, that it was to furnish himself with a 
few necessaries, that he was led to offer the articles in 
question for sale. Mr. Richmond having ascertained, as 
far as possible, the correctness of his story, purchased them ; 
and afterwards held a very long conversation with him, on 
the awful consequences of his past life, and his unfaithful- 
ness to the solemn and sacred engagement he had formerly 
contracted. The soldier seemed to be more abashed by 
the disclosure of his history, than impressed by the con- 
sciousness of his guilt, and the admonitions that he had 

4 



•26 MEMOIllS OP THE 

heard. In June, 1802, the comrade who had originally 
accompanied him, once more called on Mr. Richmond* 
and stated that he was just returned from Egypt, and that 
the young man, in whose welfare he liad taken so lively 
an interest, had fallen in battle, and died a true penitent — 
that on the evening preceding the engagement of the 21st 
March, he had been seized with a presentiment that he 
should not survive the event of the following day ; and had 
commissioned him, (the bearer,) should he be spared to re- 
turn, to inform Mr Richmond, that the counsel he had so 
faithfully given to him, though it had failed at the time to im- 
press him as it ought to have done, had ultimately sunk deep 
into his conscience, and produced all the effects that he 
could have wished ; ' tell our dear pastor,' continued he, 
* that I owe him more than w orlds can repay ; he first 
opened my heart to conviction, and God has blessed it to 
repentance. Through the unspeakable mercies of ( 'hrist, 
I can die with comfort. The event that he had prognosti- 
cated was fulfilled ; and it was discovered that poor Mr. 

E lost his life by a cannon ball, at an early period in 

the action." 

Such were his parochial labours in the Isle of Wight. 
We omit the interesting circumstances that gave rise to 
the publication of his popular tract of the * Dairyman's 
Daughter,' because they will be recorded at the proper 
time ; but what has already been detailed, furnishes con- 
clusive evidence that he was sustaining the part of a labo- 
rious parish priest ; that he was " a workman that needetli 
not to be ashamed ;" and that his doctrine, energy and ex- 
ample, were holding forth a bright prospect of the more 
extensive career of usefulness, on which he was shortly 
about to enter. The writer of these lines cannot recall 
without emotion, a visit that he paid to the village of 
Brading, some years after Mr. Richmond had left that 
scene of his former labours. And, if the recollections 
awakened by the mention of a person's name and affec- 
tionate traces of the past, be one of the testimonies paid to 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 27 

worth, and a token that we are not forgotten, that mark of 
distinction might justly be claimed as his ; for every tongue 
was eloquent in his praise, and every eye gUstened with de- 
light, while the virtues of their former beloved pastor fur- 
nished the theme of conversation, and was the welcome 
subject of fond remembrance, gratitude and love. 

Having described him engaged in the duties of his parish, 
the following extract from a letter, addressed to his mo- 
ther, will prove that the same high sense of his minis- 
terial responsibility, and anxious desire for usefulness, dis- 
covers itself in his correspondence. He had recently been 
invited to preach the annual sermon in the abby church at 
Bath, on the subject of cruelty to the brute creation, in 
conformity with the bequest of the Rev. Henry Brindley, 
at the close of the last century. It is to this circumstance 
that the letter alludes. 

" Brading, March 26, 1801. 
" My dearest Mother, 

<* It gives me real and unspeakable gratification that 
any thing you observe in me should give you the pleasure 
you describe ; yet I fear you overrate me. Daily do I be- 
come more and more sensible of my own deficiencies ; and 
when I hear myself praised, mv failings and corruptions 
seem to be magnified in the mirror of conscience and con- 
viction. I do feel an earnest and solemn wish to be a real 
Christian minister of the gospel of Christ ; but it is indeed 
a character too exalted for my expectations of attaining, 
and unutterable is the responsibility attached to it. To be 
a Christian at all, in the scriptural sense is a business of 
unwearied attention, watchfulness, and labour ; but to be a 
teacher, an example, a shepherd to the flock, requires ten- 
fold circumspection. May God make me what he wishes, 
in order to form that character ; and may no self sufficiency, 
carelessness or presumption, ever lead me to false security, 
neglect of duty, or inactivity — to all of which we are so 
prone by nature. In exact proportion as we struggle to 



28 MEMOIRS OF THE 

rise above our natural propensities, Satan endeavours not 
only to stop our progress, but to turn our very improvement 
into danger, and a snare, by exciting pride and self-satis- 
faction at what we have been enabled to do. I have no 
objection to hearing that my preaching excited attention at 
Bath (though I ought to avoid every thing likely to awaken 
vanity,) because I am convinced that it is not so much 
from any thing in me, individually speaking, as in the 
scriptural truths which, by God's grace, I invariably en- 
deavour to advance and expound, that approbation was 
manifested. I claim no praise, but that of being in earnest ; 
and when I open the counsel of God to a congregation, I 
hope I feel anxious for the welfare of my hearers, and 
really desirous that they should, for their own sakes, ' mark, 
learn, hear, and inwardly digest the Holy Scriptures,' 
when explained according to the principles of sound or- 
thodoxy and evangelical truth. And, thus considering 
sound truth as the matter, and pastoral anxiety as the man- 
ner of my preaciun^, I hope to steer clear of any personal 
vanity, or silly presumption, in the arts of human eloquence, 
either written or oratorical. I have no wish to be a popu- 
lar preacher in any sense but one viz., as a preacher to the 
hearts of the people, 

" Mary and the children send kindest love to you and my 
father, with your affectionate son, 

'< Legh Richmond. 
«' To Mrs, Richmond, Bennet Street, Bath^ 

The following letter was written about the same time,, 
to his sister, on her marriage :-■ ^ 

<rporgive me, ray beloved sister, if I express myself with 
more than customary anxiety, in now writmg to you ; re- 
lated as 1 am by the nearest ties of kindred, and by the still 
more close bonds of love and tender friendship. I feel a 
lively interest in all which concers you ; and should be 
more than commonly happy, if a brother's prayer, and a 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 2W 

brother's admonition, should prove in any way conducive 
to the welfare and advancement of a much-loved sister. 

<' I am desirous of seeing and knowing that you will 
shine in the united characters of wife, mother, friend, and 
Christian. I feel truly and unequivocally anxious that you 
should not, even in appearance, sink into the mere accom- 
plished and elegant woman. I wish you to set a right es- 
timate upon that far more accomplished, and infinitely more 
useful character, which exists chiefly within the walls of 
your own house. Every thing depends on 3^our first out- 
set. By the model which you frame for your conduct this 
very year^ will probably be regulated all your subsequeni 
character and conduct, in every future station and relation 
of life. 

<' You well know the affection, and I trust will not des- 
pise the judgment and sentiments, of him who speaks thus 
candidly and frankly to you. I am well persuaded that a 
young woman, to be truly respectable, must dare to be 
laudably singular. There always will be a certain des- 
cription of persons in every place, who will wonder that 
you can exist without passing your time as they do ; but 
amongst those whose esteem and opinion alone ought to re 
gulate your own feelings and conduct, the more retired 
and seldom-to be-seen wife, whose theatre of real action 
and real pleasure is within her own house, in the fulfilment 
of sober, useful, and exemplary duties, will ever be most 
beloved, most respected, and most befriended. 

'' By Avay of immediate occupation of your time and 
thoughts, allow me to direct them to the relief and benefit 
of the poor ; not by idle gratuities, but by diligently seek- 
ing them out, informing yourself of their wants and dis- 
tresses, and economizing in superfluities, in order that 
thereby the poor may abound in needfuls, and you may 
abound in their blessings. Be systematically charitable, 
both to their souls and bodies. Promote plans for instruc- 
tion ; assist in superintending them ; employ yourself in 
making clothes for them : and rest not till you have made it 

4^ 



30 MEMOIRS OF THE 

a settled and uniform jart of your character, to be activ:ely. 
constantly, and watchfully charitable. 

Be scrupulously attentive to the observance of the sab- 
bath, both in public and in private, both at church and at 
home ; and in all your pleasures, all your pains, all your 
employments, prospects, plans, and engagements, remem- 
ber that the use of this life is to prepare for a better ; and 
that * strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads 
fo eternal life, and few there be that find it ' Read your 
Bible with prayer, daily, under the impression of this aw- 
ful truth : and may God remember you, my dearest sister, 
amongst those whom he especially loveth ; and his grace ren- 
der you, what I wish you may always prove to be, a valued 
wife, a tender mother, an estimable friend, and a devoted 
Christian. 

Your affectionate brother, 

L. RiCHMOM)." 

We now proceed to unfold the more secret recesses of 
his heart, as developed in a diary, commencing January, 
1804 and continued to August of the same year. It is 
much to be lamented that it never seems to have been re- 
gularly resumed, and that there are only occasional and 
interrupted documents of this kind found among his papers. 

^' Jan, 1. A new year is begun, but where is the new 
heart, and the right spirit ? Oh, weakness and wickedness ! 
Preached from Ro7n, xi. 28, 29 ; and Job xvi. 22. Felt 

much satisfaction after the morning service, from J 

and his wife proposing to become members of my society. 
He shed tears of penitence and joy. May God work all 
for good. In the afternoon, felt something of the fear of 
man ; but found, as I proceeded, more freedom. O Lord, 
save me from fear of censure, and love of praise ! Went 
in the evening, to my society at Arreton : few, but meek, 
humble, and hopeful. Another member proposed, an in- 
form old widow. 



REV. LEGH RLCHMOND. 31 

<• Jan. 3. Uneasy at not having completed another part 
of the review of Dauheny.* I am very deficient in steady, 
persevering dihgence. Let me think much of this, and 
l^arn to set a right value on time. Oh ! how precious 
ought every hour to be, when each may be the last. 
Thought mucli of Cowper's description of preaching : 
(Task, Book ii ) God impress it on my heart. B. is 
buried to-day ; how dreadfully unprepared to meet his 
God 1 How far am I responsible ? Alas 1 how great is the 
burden of the pastor ! Lord give me grace to see it, and 
feel it more and more, and enable me to bear it with a good 
conscience. I have been delighted, and I hope profited, 
by Biddulph's funeral sermon on Mr. Drewitt ; oh ! that I 
were hke him ! I now wonder that I had not more cor- 
respondence with that holy man. I shall ever think with 
pleasure, of my introduction to him God bring us together 
at the last. I trust my resolutions gain strength. O God, 
in thy mercy strengthen me ! May my thoughts now close 
with blessed Drewitt, and sink to peacefulness with a bless- 
ing on the meditation. 

" Jan, 4 Received the * Christian Observer ;' my 
' fourth letter on Kipling,' there ;t surely it is conclusive, 
yet what will not prejudice distort ? Preserve me, O my 
God ! in the wiles of controversy, from the neglect of prac- 
tical rehgion within. It is not Calvin nor Arminius, nor 
Cranmer ; but Christ, who is the Saviour, and his name 
only be adored. 

'' Jan, 6. A beautiful frosty morning. Teach me, O 
Lord ! from the beauties of nature, to learn the beauties of 
grace. Every returning morning reminds me, what a 
mercy it is I am still alive — and have space and time given 
me to repent and believe. Take my heart, O God ! into 

* He here alludes to his review of Dauheny's Vindicm Ecclesice, 
of which we shall have occasion to speak in a subsequent part. It 
was inserted in the *■ Christian Observer.' 

t This is another review, in which he wos engaged. It was pub- 
lished in the * Christian Observer,' for 1804, under the signatures 
of Academicus and a Curate of the South, 





32 MEMOIRS OF THE 

tby keeping, and then it will be safe. If it be thy good 
pleasure to rescue me from temporal perplexity, let my 
gratitude appear ; if not, let it be ground for submission 
and patient resignation. With thee, I cannot do ill ; with- 
out thee, I cannot do well. Heard Nugent's morning 
prayers. May he learn early the lesson which \ for so 
many years neglected, and now perform so unworthily. 
Prayer is the breath of faith 

'■' Jan. 7. Surprised by a letter from Hannah More, to 
invite me to succeed Mr. Drewitt, at Cheddar, or to re- 
commend a curate. Oh, I am unworthy, could it be 
brought about. Yet what a field to act upon. Lead me. 
O God, to that which is right. Shall I make any overtures 
to remove there or not ? It has filled me with mingled 
contemplation and solicitude. Is it a call from God, or 
ought I rather to do his work here ? Direct my heart, O 
God, from doubts and wanderings, into thy paths. 

" Jan, 8, Sunday, Snow and sleet How cold are my 
affections ! like this season. Warm my heart, O Lord ! 
till it burn with the flames of devotion. Compose my 
thoughts into holy meditation, and let not the events of the 
day destroy them. 

*' Preached on the Epiphany, and on Christ among the 
doctors in the temple. 

" My heart heavy in reflecting how unworthy I am to 
think ever of succeeding Mr. Drewitt : to be placed in such 
a parish, with such neighbours and friends as that country 
would afford, might be an unspeakable benefit to me, and 

my dear M ; but I hardly dare think of it. Lord. 

direct me for the best. I am a poor, weak, irresolute, sin- 
ful creature ; without thee, I can do nothing. 

'^ Jan, 10. What an awful idea is eternity : am I pre- 
pared to encounter it ? « Oh, spare me a little, that I may 
recover my strength, before I go hence, and be no more 
seen 1' Settle my opinions stedfastly, and above all, my 
affections on thyself, O Lord ! Have mercy on the dear 
children whom thou hast given me, and may I give them 
back unto thee in Jesus Christy their and my Saviour. I 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 33 

fear I have not taught N. all I ought, and of which he is 
capable. Let me lay this to heart, and recommend him 
to God in prayer. 

" Much perplexed what to say to Mrs More. Surely if 
vanity wanted food, it is here — to be solicited by a Hannah 
More, to supply the place of a Drewitt ! But a sense of 
unworthiness, thank God, represses emotions like these. 

" Jan, 1 1 Much indisposed by a very severe cold ; but, 
alas! how much more sick in the inner man. I have 
nearly finished this month's portion for the ' Christian Ob- 
server.' May I grow daily more diligent, pious, and wise 
unto salvation, through God's blessing on my studiesr 

''Jan, 13. Better in body : I thank thee, O God ; but 
there is much in my mind that wants heahng. Oh ! thou 
Redeemer of souls and physician of hearts, purchase me 
entirely to thyself, and heal my diseases. I have sent off 
my packet to the ' Christian Observer.' The world fights 
against me, the flesh within me, and Satan both within and 
without. How shall 1 conquer, but in Christ Jesus ? Help 
me to prepare, O Lord, for the service of thy sanctuary ; 
and direct me to such thoughts and words as shall edify my 
hearers, and reach my own heart to a good purpose. 

''Jan. 14. One fortnight more, and I shall be thirty- 
two in years by nature, but how old in grace ? Sloth, de- 
tested sloth, how does it injure my advancement. Would 
to God I might now break all bonds, and fly in heart and 
soul to the possession of my God. There are moments 
when all heaven seems open before me ; and others, when 
I tremble over the pit of sorrows. 

"Jan, 15. The sabbath is ended. I preached on the 
reason why Christ delivered his doctrine in parables ; Matt. 
xiii. 10, 11. At Yaverland, read the Homily on the time 
and place of prayer Went to Arreton ; my excellent 
though humble friend, J. W., was there. I pray God I 
might sit at his feet in the kingdom of heaven : I know no 
such other Christian here. Would to God I were like him. 
I found much comfort with my society. Returned in 
thunder, lightning, and rain. Thought of death and of judg- 



34 MEMOIRS OF THE 

ment. Oh, awful meditation ! Let me examine my heaii 
on its faith, hope, and love. Help me, O God ! to pray ; 
and so may thy blessing rest on me and mine. 

Jan, 16. Another week and another mercy. * Oh, 
teach me to number my days, that I may apply my heart 
unto wisdom.' Why am I alive ? Why have I space to 
repent, when so many are cut off ? Who makes me to dif- 
fer, either in outward or inward ckcumstances ? Oh, my 
Lord and my God I to thee I owe every thing ; yea, myself 
also. Let me then speedily pay the debt. 

" What methods shall I take to cure my spiritual sloth- 
fulness ? There must be a struggle and agony — heaven 
must be taken with violence 

Day after day elapses. — Oh, time ! oh, eternity ! In spite 
of sorrows, calms and relaxations sometimes steal on me. 
Let me not deceive myself with a false peace. Sometime^s 
I am tempted to doubt whether I am a real Christian. O 
teach me, my God, to answer this question with a right 
conscience. 

" Jan, 17. I feel much uneasiness at not making more 
progress in the right way- The unfruitful tree shall be cut 
down and burned. Fiave mercy on me, and all my family, 
according to thy goodness, O Lord ! Help me to form a 
right judgment, bind my affection to the truth, and so let 
my Ufe shew it forth. Often as my birth-day approached, 
have I made resolutions of a new life ; but there has always 
been an enemy within and without, to prevail against me. 

^' Much pleased with Dr. Jackson, on the Catholic 
church— a curious and beautiful mean, between Arminian- 
ism and high Calvinism Give me a firm and resolute 
heart, O God 1 even such an one as thou wilt accept. 

<* Wrote to Hannah More, dubiously. Lord, direct me 
to choose for the best. 

<« Jan. 18. This day, with thy blessing^ I shall go to feed 
my sheep at Bembridge Grant me to do so with a faith- 
ful and a single heart. I always look upon that society, as 
a humble ground for hope that the Lord means to do good 
through me ; yet how often do I perform that duty with 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 35 

slotbfulness. Give me, O God, more will, and strength, 
and grace, and power, and blessing, and success ; and teach 
me to judge (if it so please thee) by the state of my people, 
of my own Provide Cheddar v/ith a successor to Drewitt, 
after thine own heart ; and increase the number of true 
pastors, and true sheep in thy pasture. 

" Jan. 19. How vain are all attempts to find peace in 
aught but the Gospel ! How the world steals upon the 
mind, and usurps the throne of God. ' Video meliora probo- 
que, deteriora sequor'^ Make me more discreet andcon- 
;siderate in the management of my property. Let justice 
and generosity be equally and forcibly remembered. I find 
my prayers languid and lukewarm to-day. Why is this ? 
The fault must lie within. 

" Jan. 20. Little Mary in a very high fever ; Nugent 
beginning to have one. Teach me so to bear these trials, 
♦hat they may be truly profitable unto me. 

*' Jan, 24, Let me impress on my mind the value of 
time, and resolve and act accordingly. Let me often re- 
flect on my wife and children's souls, as well as my own : 
and never forget the spiritual welfare of my flock. 

" Mary excessively weak— Nugent worse. Keep my 
heart, O God ! or I shall be soon overwhelmed. Grant me 
thy blessing, O God ! 

" Jan. 25. Letter from Mr. Wilberforce. How beau- 
tiful a sight is riches united with godliness ; yet, who that 
has the latter, is not truly possessed of the former. If the 
weather should permit my going to Bembridge, prosper 
my endeavour among the people, O Lord .' and may their 
prosperity be mine. 

"Jan, 27. An affecting letter from my mother to my 
wife, exhorting to fortitude and patience, in case it should 
please God to take our sweet little Mary to himself. May 
we find it to be for our good, which ever way the righteous 
God shall ordain. Let me reflect much on this matter — 
and be thou with me, O my God ! in all my prayers and 
supplications. 

* I see and! approve the better but follow the worse. A. E. 



36 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Jan. 29. The Lord's sabbath and my birthday. O 
Almighty God I sanctify this day in my heart : herein and 
henceforth may I rest from sin, and spiritual sorrow, ex- 
cept that sorrow which worketh repentance unto salvation. 

" I have preached on the parable, Matt xx. 1 ; and from 
JEpA. i. 7, on redemption. 

" Had some interesting conversation with J. W. and 
E. C. Went to Achton* — Comfort and peace My child 
rather better. God bless us all, and make us to know what 
means peace with thee. 

This day some friends are coming to keep my birthday : 
when will friends of another kind celebrate my birthday 
into the life of glory ? Ten pounds fi'om Mr. Wilberforce, 
for the poor. Holy man ! would I resembled thee. 

^'Jan. 31. May God strengthen me to keep my birth- 
day resolutions ; I am very weak and unstable. 

" A momentary fit of anger, which, blessed be God, I 
immediately tranquillized, and sought present reconcilia- 
tion. Let the fear of God's anger ever make me afraid 
of my oum, 

" Feb. 1. I am studying the Augsburgh Confession on 
Justification. It appears decisive against Daubeny. Oh ! 
for a full application of the doctrine to my own soul. 

" Met my society at Bembridge. The occasion profita- 
ble. Returned in a storm. May these meetings prove a 
solid and permanent advantage to all and to me. 

" Feb 2. When I reflect on my unfruitfulness, I trem- 
ble. Hours, days, weeks, years roll on, and still so much 
is to be done. 

'' I have looked into the controversy between Daubeny 
and Overton. Faults on both sides. But there is a con- 
troversy between me and my God, where the fault is all on 
one side. Who shall judge between us ? O Christ ! be 
my advocate, yea, my surety, and I shall not fear thee, when 
thou shalt appear as my judge. 

* This hamlet is sometimes called Adjeton, and at other times 
Achlon, in the Diary. Its proper name is Arreton. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 37 

*• Feb. 7. Much ado about nothing, and little done 
about the great thing. Oh, let thy mercy be shown to me, 
by enabling me to show mercy to myself I When I think 
of what I have been, what I am, what I shall be, — the 
idea fills me with hopeful fear and fearful hope. Let me 
think of my sermons, my soul, my family, my relations, my 
friends, my parish, my Saviour, and my God ; and thus 
close my meditation to-night with prayer. 

" Feb, 9. Dreamed a dream, full of confusion and dan- 
ger ; useful hints may be drawn rationally from dreams, so 
far as they may be considered as resulting from the state 
and frame of the body, and the inward customary state of 
the mind. Dreams are for the most part the uninterrupted 
thoughts of the soul in sleep. Oh, my God ! may my 
waking thoughts and my sleeping imaginations, all become 
full of thee ! 

" Feb, 10. I find a strong inclination to false fancy, as 
if some change in my worldly state and residence were to 
bring about a correspondent one in my spiritual condition. 
Satan struggles, together with the flesh, to keep up the dan- 
gerous phantom. Art thou not here, O my God ! and is 
not mine oflUce here ? and has not my soul helps sufliicient ? 
Oh, yes ! give me strength to resist this, and to seek thee 
here and now. Oh ! let me watch as well as pray, lest I 
enter into temptation. 

"Feb, 11. This day is to be an eclipse of the sun. 
What a beautiful emblem of those eclipses of the soul, 
which sometimes hide the face of God from the sons of 
earth. Oh, revive me with thy presence, my God ! even 
thy effectual and abiding presence. I have been medita- 
ting on the parable of the good Samaritan, in a spiritual 
application, with a view of preaching on it, 

'' To-morrow is thy day, O God of Hosts ! may I sancti- 
fy it, and may my words be blessed to the hearts of my 
hearers. Enable me to speak from the heart to the heart. 

" Feb, 15. Ash Wednesday. Is this truly so to me ? 
Do I mourn in dust and ashes for my sins ? I want the 
spirit of mortification and self denial. Enable me to 

5 



38 MEMOIRS OF THE 

preach to my people without fear of man, and with the love 
of God in my own heart. 

" Oh, my God ! guide, direct, sanctify and bless me, and 
all mine and all thine. 

** Feb. 16. How weak, frail, and inconstant a creature 
is man ; and of men, myself most deplorably so. Some- 
limes my desires and resolutions run mountams high ; and 
then 1 grow faint, and the stream of my affections is mud- 
died and thick. Let me think of my children and my 
household > and of their spiritual welfare ; and not cleave 
in heart to any one temptation thrown in my way by the 
world. 

<' The organ proposal negatived. I feel the benefit of a 
momentary disappointment ; it is physic to the soul. How 
every thing tends to convince me of the folly and wicked- 
ness of seeking comfort in the creature. O blessed Crea- 
tor ! when shall I be thine in spirit and in truth ? 

'^ Feb. 17. Harassed with foolish thoughts. I grow 
more and more ashamed of myself, that such things can 
lay hold of my heart, and that 1 should have such dead- 
ness towards heaven. ' O earth, earth, earth ! hear the 
w^ord of the Lord ' 

" I have been to Bembridge, and read Burder's poetical 
abridgment of the Pilgrim's Progress, with profit and de- 
light to us all. How much more am 1 in my element, 
among my little flock, than scheming in the w^orld. Drank 
tea at John Wheler's ; his cottage is God's palace. 

" Feb. 20. Let me reflect on the fleetness of time, and 
on the uncertainty of my life. Drewitt was taken away 
just at my age — the hand of death may be close ; oli, 
what folly to imagine it at a distance ! May I then die 
daily. 

"Received rehgious books to the value of £15, from 
Mr. Thornton, to distribute in my parish. God be thank- 
ed for such friends to me and mine. 

'^ Feb. 21. I have strangely neglected the review. I 
pray God to give me strength to go on with it, and to think 
and write to his glory. My inward and bosom sin preys 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 39 

sadly upon me. I beseech thee, O my God I to make me 
a new creature : in that respect most especially, give me a 
new heart and a right spirit. 

" Feb. 24. How soon the best plans degenerate into 
formality, and how often Satan transforms himself into an 
angel of light What a fight, race, and struggle the 
Christian warfare is ! May I so fight, run, and strive, that 
I may obtain. 

" Feb. 26. A serene fine morning is an emblem of rest 
— rest from storms and rain ; how ought I to seek an earn- 
est within, of that rest which remaineth for the people of 
God.' In all my ministrations this day — in the sanctuary, 
the house, the closet, may all be to thee, and for thee, and 
by thee. I feel my own deficiencies daily more and more ; 
O God ! may I feel them till 1 lose them. 

" Feb, 27. I every day feel more the truth of the doc- 
trine, that the flesh and spirit strive contrary wise against 
each other. Excuses, apologies, procrastinations, delays, 
all proceed from this. 

^' Feb, 29. I perceive too much compliance with world- 
ly company and conversation ; oh, my soul, if I give way 
to this, my usefulness will be much diminished. Let me 
often remember, that I renounced the world at baptism. 

" March 4. The sabbath is over. I preached on the 
strong man armed ; and from I Coi\ i, 23, introducing a 
homily. 

" I wish my children could sing the praises of God ; 
may their learning music have this end and aim, both in 
themselves and me. 

" March 6. Like the Israelites of old, I find myself wan- 
dering in the wilderness of sin- Yet, O my God ! if thou 
art my guide and hght, by day and night, all will be well. 

" March 7. The beauty of such a morning as this, 
should be an emblem of the hfe of God in my soul. What 
is mere animal life without this ? Oh ! break my rebel- 
lious spirit, and bring the inner man into true subjection to 
thee. 



40 MEMOIRS OP THE 

" March 10. I am meditating a sermon, on drawing 
water from the wells of salvatiorj. Let me ever keep it 
in faithful remembrance, that I preach to my own heart 
first, and then to ray people's. I have been arranging the 
different texts which describe Gospel graces and promises, 
under the emblem of water. I must be more and more 
urgent, in drawing from the fountain of God's word. 

<- March 12. One day nearer death and eternity . Lift 
up my heart, O God ! in earnest prayer fo^ real blessings. 
Let me be more desirous of graces than gifts, and yet re- 
member, both are from thee. 

•' March 16. A thick fog this morning. Is this the only 
fog? On looking over my diary, I see much to lament. 
What a map of frailty ! O my* Redeemer, how shall I es- 
timate the infinite value of that blood of thine, which was 
shed for sin. What are my time, reading, learning, memo- 
ry, situation, influence, authority, money, and other various 
abilities, of mind and body, but so many talents lent me by 
God, of which I must speedily render an account ? Have 
I any talents for the ministry ? Do I use them as not abu- 
sing them ? Are they with a single eye and heart conse- 
crated to the honour of God ? 

" March 17 T plainly perceive that the Lord has per- 
mitted me to suffer a derehction as a just punishment for 
too much carelessness ; but O ! ray Lord Jesus, let me see 
the light of thy countenance. Fix my roving wishes, and 
nail them to thy cross ; and oh ! let me remember that no 
flower can blow in Paradise, which is not transplanted 
from Gethsemane ; no one can taste of the fruit of the tree 
of life, that has not tasted of the fruits of the tree of Calvary. 

^^ March 18. A day of rest. Rest thou, O my soul 1 
from vanity and the world. Fix thyself on the cross, and 
there muse and contemplate, till thou art filled with the 
theme. 

" March 24. I purpose to preach five evening lectures 
next week, on the progress, nature, and extent of Christ's 
sufferings May the subject animate my soul, and through 
grace give life to my weak faith. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 41 

'* Lord dead 1 and thus end all hopes of prefer- 
ment (as it is called) from that quarter. How absurd to 
build on man ! Wherever the Lord designs me to do good, 
he will keep or place me ; and in him all is right, and as it 
should be. 

<< March 26. How many unforeseen events crowd upon 
my attention ; what a strange busy scene is this, and how 
it strives to steal the heart from God ! 

" March 27. I feel much dissatisfied with myself Lord, 
what am I, that thou shouldst so regard me ? A worm, a 
vile worm of the dust. I am to preach to-night a lecture 
on Christ's sufferings. What do I suffer for him ? 

" March 30. Good-Friday. I bless God that my first 
act has been weeping for thy sorrows, oh my Saviour 1" 

It is impossible to peruse the foregoing extracts without 
a deep conviction of the sincerity and earnestness of the 
writer. The heart seems to be unfolded before us, stripped 
of the illusions of self-love, which are so apt to mingle in 
the estimate that we form of ourselves, and conscience is 
armed with all the authority of a judge, and pronounces its 
impartial verdict. 

We see in his internal conflicts the struggles between 
the two opposing principles, ' the flesh and the spirit :" 
the strivings of inward corruption, and the aspirations of 
the soul towards God. The feehngs of every renewed 
heart will harmonize with this description ; though the ac- 
curate observer will not fail to remark, that the full triumphs 
of faith and hope were yet wanting, and that stability, which 
time and experience can alone bestow : for though the 
principle which renews the heart, is marked by circum- 
stances which ascertain its reality, its efiects and influences 
are always progressive. The reader who is less fami- 
liar with these things, may learn a most instructive lesson. 
He may not comprehend the doctrine of conversion — he 
may know nothing of the conflicts of the soul — nothing of 
the two principles within, alternately striving for the mas- 
tery — nothing of that jealousy over the heart, and that deep 

5* 



42 MEMOIRS OF THE 

conviction of its depravity, expressed in the Diary of Mr. 
Richmond. Let him then examine the fact here presented 
to him ; a man, undergoing a visible and remarkable change 
in his views and conduct, and his principles and affections 
directed to high and holy objects, — the reality of the prin- 
ciple attested by the reality of its effects, and inward grace 
illustrated by outward holiness. Let him remember that 
the conversion, so strikingly exhibited in the case of Mr. 
Richmond, is no less needed by himself — that it is indis- 
pensible to his admission into the abodes of peace and 
glory ; and that if heaven be a prepared place f )r a prepared 
people and a fitness for its enjoyments be essential to their 
possession, there must be a knowledge of this principle, an 
inward experience of its power, and an outw ard evidence 
of its existence in the life, before we can have a well- 
grounded assurance of a happy immortality ; for the spirit 
of heavenly inspiration has recorded, in characters never to 
be obliterated, " except ye be converted, ye shall in nowise 
enter into the kingdom of heaven " 

The religion of Mr. Richmond, though it engaged his 
most earnest and anxious thoughts, had in it no tinge of 
gloom or austerity. He was at all times cheerful ; and the 
following letter addressed to his aunt about this period, is 
an instance of that playfulness of humour to which we have 
before alluded. 

'^Brading, Feb. \Oih, 1803. 
'-' My dearest Aunt, 

*' Being unwilling to trust mere pen and paper to 
make excuse for my long silence, I have sent a represen- 
tative to do it for me ; humbly conceiving that a shadotv of 
an apology would be best made by a shadoiv of a man. 
Now, my dear aunt, unsubstantial as a shadow is, it may 
nevertheless be the means of creating a very solid idea of 
the thing signified. At all events, it is belter than nothing : 
more especially as this shadow possesses (what other sha- 
dows do not) a stationary faculty ; and I do apprehend, that 
whether the sun shines or not, and whether a candle be or 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 43 

be not in the room, the said shadowy gentleman will not 
quit your fire-side without leave, if you think him worthy 
of being once placed there. It is true, that from the very 
constitution of his nature, he rather looks /rom than at you 
— but what then ? A man's heart may look one way, 
whilst his eyes turn another ; and I beg you to take it for 
granted, that he is thinking very much about you, notwith- 
standing the imperfection of his bodily frame impedes his 
treating you with a full stare. If you please, you may fancy 
him in the pulpit, and that your pew happens to be rather 
on one side of him, which will fully account for his looking 
strait forward ; as imagining that his admonitions and re- 
proofs are less wanted in the pew on his right hand, than 
in many other parts of the church. It may, indeed, seem 
somewhat strange that any one, who has renounced (or at 
least, as a parson ought to be supposed to have renounced,) 
all dealings with the black art, shouM send a black gentle- 
man, as an ambassador and representative. But strange, 
or not strange, so it is ; and here he coaies, and begs leave 
to say, that he is generally considered as bearing a strong 
resemblance to his master; upon the strength of which 
plea, he chiefly hopes for a favourable reception at your 
hands." 

The following lines were wiitten, to record the melan- 
choly loss of a young midshipman and nine sailors, belong- 
ing to his majesty's ship Leviathan, who were unfortunately 
drowned, not far from his residence, in the Isle of Wight, 
in the year 1804 : 

Hark to a voice that sounds from ocean's caves, 
Ye mortals, who in fanciod safety sleep ! 
They that in ships o'erpass the stormy waves, 
See and declare God's wonders in the deep. 

Warn'd by our sudden fate, learn heaven to prize ; 
Earth's pleasures fade, her riches quickly flee : 
Death in one awful moment clos'd our eyes, 
Thou knows't not but the next may summon thee. 



44 MEMOIRS OF THE 

We add some further specimens of his poetical efforts : — 

A BIRTH-DAY THOUGHT. 

My birth-day of nature Vve oftentimes kept, 

And rejoic'd in the revels of youth ; 
Yet 'twas all but a dream, for I slumber'd and slep^t, 

Quite a stranger to God and his truth. 

But he pitied my soul, I awoke from my sleep, 

And he saved me in infinite love : 
A new birth-day my Saviour then taught me to keep, 

For again I was born from above. 

And now I believe that the God of all peace 

Will be mine till with age I am hoary ; 
But if angels rejoiced at my birth-day of grace, 

How they'll sing on my birth-day of glory ! L. R. 

<* No cloud csiTi overshadow a true Christian, but his faith 
will discern a rainbow in it " — Bp. Home, 
The same idea versified : — 

What though a cloud o'ershade my sight, 

Big with affliction's tear ; 
Yet Faith, amidst the drops that fall, 

Discerns a rainbow there. L^ R. 

Epitaph on the death of liis own infant : 

This lovely bud, so young, so fair, 

Call'd hence by early doom. 
Just came to show^ how sweet a flower, 

In Paradise would bloom. 

By a reference to the Diary, it will be seen that an al- 
lusion was made to Mr. Richmond's review of the late' 
Archdeacon Daubeny's VindicicB EcclesicB Anglicaiicp. 
This critique, written in the year 1804, and inserted in the 
Christian Observer, claims a just title to distinction among 
productions of this class ; whether we consider the ability 
and conclusiveness of its reasoning, the extensive acquain- 
tance that it manifests with the writings of the Reformers. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 45 

and with the genuine principles and doctrines of the Church 
of England, or the concihatory spirit in which it is written. 
Controversy is here stripped of the acrimonious spirit 
which too often disgraces its pages ; and truth is pursued 
without violating the law of charity. 

His admonitions to those engaged in controversy, are 
thus impressively delivered, 

** What will it avail them in the great day of account, 
when the contentions, whirh now agitate their minds, shall 
sink into absolute insignificance, shall be as if they had 
never been ? — what will it then avail them to have van- 
quished their adversaries by the superiority of their pole- 
mical skill, if, unhappily imbibing the baneful spirit of con- 
troversv, they shall be found to have violated that brotherly 
love which forms a distinguishing badge of the real fol- 
lowers of Jesus Christ ? ' Certainly,' as the pious Bishop 
Hall has observed, ' God abides none but charitable dissen- 
sions ; those that are well grounded, and well governed : 
grounded upoji just causes, and ijoverned with Christian 
charity and wise moderation ; those whose beginning is 
equity, and whose end is peace. If we must differ, let 
these be the conditions ; let every one of God's ministers 
be ambitious of that praise, which Gregory Nazianzen gives 
to Athanasius ; to be an adamant to them that strike him, 
and a loadstone to them that diss^mt from him : the one not 
to be moved with wrong — th^^ other to draw those hearts 
which disajjfree. So the fruit of righteousness shall be 
sown in peace of them that make peace. So the God of 
peace shall have glory, the church of God rest, and our 
souls unspeakable consolation and joy, in the day of the 
appearing of our Lord Jesus,' '* 



46 MEMOIRS OF THE 



CHAPTER V. 

His removal from the Isle of Wight — Temporary con- 
nexion with the Lock Hospital^ in London ; and final 
settlement at Turvey. 

A CHANGE of destination in the life of a minister, is at 
all times a subject for grave deliberation. He can take 
no step, in the consequences of which, others are not deep- 
ly involved as well as himself In no instance does he 
stand alone : his principles, habits, and conduct, whereso- 
ever he goes, exercise their powerful effects on all around 
him ; and he is the star, by whose genial or unfriendly in- 
fluence, their present, as well as future destiny, is in a 
great measure to be determmed It is this truth which 
constitutes the moral responsibility of accepting a new ap- 
pointment. If the glory of God, and conversion of immor- 
tal souls, is the grand olDJect of which, as a minister, he is 
never to lose sight ; nothing less than a deliberate and well- 
founded conviction that this is the governing principle of 
his conduct, to which every other is subordinate, ought to 
determine his removal, more especially from a scene where 
his labours have been owned and blessed. 

So long, however, as we are assured that " the Lord 
ordereth a good man's goings," and " appointeth the bounds 
of his habitation ;" the indications of his will, and the 
openings of his providence, rightly interpreted, will ever 
form the best guide and ground for his determination. It 
was under the fullest conviction that he was pursuing the 
path of duty, that Mr Richmond was induced to listen to 
an offer of assisting the Rev. Mr. Fry, in his laborious 
services as Chaplain to the Lock Hospital in London ; and 
we shall see, by the result, in what manner his acceptance 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 47 

of this appointment, short as was its duration, providential- 
ly led the way to all the subsequent events of his life. He 
proceeded, therefore, to London, to confer on the subject 
of this new arrangement, and preached his first sermon on 
the followmg text ; " But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who 
of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness and 
sanctification, and redemption." — 1 Cor. i 30. 

Some extracts from letters written to his wife at this 
time, previously to the removal of his famdy from Brading, 
will throw light on a few of the circumstances connected 
with this change of his residence and ministry. 

" London, February 5, 1 805. 
" I think I may say, I am determined to try this situation. 
The Lord seems to give me such tokens of affection, friend- 
ship, and acceptableness, amongst the congregation of the 
Lock, and points out so many spiritual advantages, though 
mingled with great trials and temptations, that I believe 
I am right in coming to this decision. On Wednesday 
evening, I preached for Mr. Fry. Several gentlemen 
spoke to each of us, expressing a hope that I should under- 
take the charge ; and one of them suggested that if it weva 
an object to me, he did not doubt but very many would 
gladly contribute towards the expenses of the removal, and 
some increase of salary. The hint was kind, whatever 
might be the result. Yesterday morning, Mr. Fry and I 
conversed for a considerable time together. I told him all 
my history and circumstances. He seems resolved to 
omit nothing which may contribute to the hopefulness and 
comfort of my arrangement ; and I really think that it is 
God's will that I should repose a temporal as well as a 
spiritual confidence in him. I called yesterday on Mr. 
Wilberforce, who put five pounds into my hand to go about 
from poor to poor and distribute.* Blessed commission ! 

* The wisdom of this mode of doin* good, must at once commend 
itself to those, who are aware of the circumstances in which cler- 
gymen are frequently placed relative to the poor. Their parochial 
duties bring to their notice peculiar cases of want, which ought not 



48 MEMOIRS OF THE 

I am to dine there to-day, and to take leave of the Dean of 
Cariisle, who goes to Cambridge to-morrow. No two 
men ever harmonized more sweetly in opinion, views, taste, 
judgment, 6z^c, than Mr. Fry and myself. Our friendship 
is forming and confirming, on the best grounds, I trust. 
You will judge how little able I am to see many friends, or 
to do anything but labour in my vocation, when I tell you 
that I am to preach twice on Good-Friday, twice on Easter 
Sunday, once on Easter Tuesday, and, perhaps, Easter 
Monday, and even next Wednesday. You cannot write 
too often ; the sight of your letters cheers and delights me. 
I wish I could play on the ground for half an hour with the 
children. 

'^ Pray believe how truly and affectionately 
" I am your 

L. Richmond. 

^^ London, Sunday, April 15, 1805. 
** I begin a few Mnes to you, my dearly-beloved wife, in 
the interval between my two services, and I can hardly give 
any other reason, than that my mind is worked up to a high 
state of agitation, by meditating and preparing to preach 
to-night, from John v. 28, 29, and it wants a few minutes 
rehef The subject is truly solemn : and the manner in 
which I propose to treat it, will be very trying and awful 
both to me and my hearers. I preached to an overflowing 
congregation, this morning, from Philip, iii, 10 : — it cost 
me great thought and pains ; — I administered the sacra- 
ment to near two hundred persons. I have been medita- 
ting two hours, on death, judgment, heaven and hell. I 

to be macle public. So limited, generally, are their own resources, 
that unless funds are in this way put at their disposal, many of God's 
own children may be left to suffer. It is the practice of some 
churches, to put portions of money in the hands of their Pastor, for 
distribution among such destitute members as may come under his 
special notice ; in addition to the appropriations which the Deacons 
are expected to make. Some churches are too poor to furnish such 
funds. How proper then, that the wealthy should remember and 
imitate this example of WiLBERFoRCE. A. E. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 49 

toel, that in the pulpit I shall either deliver myself with 
very little, or very great feehng and effect. Oh ! for a 
heart to feel more for myself and others : — what a poor, 
cold, miserable creature I feel myself to be ; I am some- 
times constrained to cry out — and can such a worthless 
being be saved ? yet there is worth in Jesus for the most 
worthless. God make me to experience fully, the power 
of his resurrection, lest when 1 have preached to otliers, I 
myself should become a cast-away. Adieu for the pre- 
sent — perhaps I may add a few lines before I go to bed. 

" Sunday night, ten o'clock.— My sermon proved very 
solemn, and brought forth very copious tears from many 
eyes. I trembled inwardly, whilst I painted the resurrec- 
tion and punishment of condemned souls ; and the effect 
was very striking on a very large and attentive congrega^ 
tion. I am sitting up to think about a sermon for to-mor- 
row morning. 

" Monday morning, five o'clock. — Yesterday, at the sa- 
crament, I observed kneeling at the rails, close to Mr. 
Wilberforce, a negro, I was much struck, and many inte- 
resting associations filled my mind. 1 find also that it 
was quite accidental, and that Mr. W. knows nothing of 
him. Last night, I dwelt on the meeting of husbands, 
wives, parents and children at the resurrection, and thought 
deeply of you and your babes ; — in fact, I wept ; I saw the 
tears of others responding with my own." 

While he was thus engaged in the duties and arrange- 
ments of his intended destination, the following letter will 
prove that in dispensing spiritual instruction to others, he 
w as not unmindful of what he owed to one, whose happi- 
/less and welfare w^as so nearly connected with his own. 

London, April 20, 1805. 
" My Dear Wife, 

*'! really feel it as an answer to very many prayers 
n hich I have for years past offered up for you, that you are 
MOW seriously thinking on the all important subject of reli- 

6 



50 MEMOIRS OF THE 

gion. I trust you will henceforth become my spiritual mo- 
nitor and counsellor, my helpmate in every good word and 
work, and my wife indeed, united in grace as well as in 
providence. With respect to the inward conflicts and 
doubts which you entertain in your mind, you must seek 
spiritual armour to fight the battle. Remember, that if you 
truly desire to overcome all the evil tempers affections, 
desires and principles of your natural heart, you have an 
evidence within that God must have wrought it, and that 
he will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are 
able to bear ; but will with the temptation, make a way to 
escape. With respect to prayer, 1 recommend you to con- 
sider the precept of ' pray always and without ceasing.' 
This evidently refeis to that perpetua! disposition of the 
heart to lift itself up in sudden, short ejaculatory prayer, 
v/hich is one of the most necessary means and proofs of 
grace. It is this alone w^hich can rersder the appointed 
and regular devotions of the church, the family, and the 
closet, lively, strong and efficacious. Satan will lose much 
of his strong-hold, if you thus laboriously strive to obtain 
a prayerful frame of heart, an habitual meditation upon 
Christ and eternity, a frequency of conversing on sacred 
things, and above all, experimental contemplation and con- 
versation. The world is a deadly enemy to spiritual at- 
tainment ; you cannot too soon see the high importance of 
being less conformed to it, in all its vanities, vices, follies, 
and unprofitable waste of time, gifts and talents. The 
Christian will appear, even in the simplicity of every per- 
sonal ornament. The dress, the countenance, the tone of 
voice, the address, will lose its former levity ; and in the 
minutest trifles of common life, you will see the hand of 
God leading to important events, and his finger pointing to 
the life that is to come. I have just been praying most 
earnestly, that God may carry on such a work in your 
heart. The grand w^ork of all is to believe. This is the 
root and fountain of all other graces. That believing 
look at the Saviour, which sees an interest in him, or 
which at least leads to full conviction, both of his sufii- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 51 

•lency and efficiency to save our oion souls, is the master 
work of God. May you be fully led to see this, and in 
God's own time to rejoice in it. Accustom yourself to 
talk constantly with Nugent and Mary on the substantial 
parts of Christianity, and appeal to those Utile instances of 
experience which even a child may comprehend. 1 wrote 
to you yesterday, and hope you have got m}! letter. I have 
this instant received your's of Tuesday. I hope to be 
able to leave London by the time you mention. The three 
things which I have to settle, if possible, are — the house, 
the furniture, and a successor ; and I do hope another week 
will. arrange the two former. I only fear for the latter, and 
this makes me uneasy ; however, as I shall retain the cura- 
cy till Christmas, there is still tin^e and opportunity ; only, 
so much depends on a desirable substitute for the summer, 
otherwise all might be overthrown. 

" Saturday morning, six o'clock. — I went yesterday to 
(he hospital, and spent three hours in very close inspection 
of the miserable objects whom it includes I have now re- 
solved on taking the house It is in Chester-street, about 
a hundred yards from the Lock ; it is surrounded by fields, 
has a very pleasant prospect, charming air, great retire- 
ment and quietness, with a little garden, a remarkable neat 
exterior, and as neat and comfortable an interior. 

" Our final removal, if we can get a curate, must be in 
the middle of June. I am asked, and have consented to 
preach the Charity Sermon at Newport, on May It-th. I 
must once more assure you, that I shall not stay a day lon- 
ger than absolute business requires, I trust our separation 
has been for the best and that our temporal and spiritual 
concerns, our views and resolutions, tempers and princi- 
ples, will all thrive and prosper for the better. God bless 
the dear children. Kind regards to your fireside, from 
vour truly affectionate husband, 

" L. Richmond." 

Mr. Richmond's connexion with the Lock chapel was 
not of very long duration. A few weeks after he had 



52 MEMOIRS OF THE 

been exercising hJs ministry in this place, the rectory of 
Turvey, m Bedfordshire, became vacant by the death of 
the late Rev. Erasmus Middleton, author of " Biographia 
Evangelica.''^ Mrs Fuller, an eminently pious lady, was 
at that period in possession of the patronage of this bene- 
fice ; and being desirous of conscientiously fulfilling the 
important and sacred trust committed to her, she wrote to 
the late Ambrose Serle, Esq., one of the commissioners of 
the Transport Office, author of " HorcR SolitarcB^^^ and 
many other vahiable works, stating that as she was much in- 
debted to him for the benefit she had received from his 
writings, she would present the rectory of Turvey to. any 
clergyman, of similar sentiments with himself, whom he 
might choose to recommend. Mr. Serle who at that time 
attended the Lock chapel as his constant place of worship, 
immediately fixed on Mr. Richmond, as the fittest person 
among his clerical friends and connexions to fill this situa- 
tion. It is, however, a fact, highly hcmourable to him, 
and a proof of the purity of his motives, that Mr. Rich- 
mond could with difficulty be persuaded to accept the no- 
mination. To use the words of another truly pious and 
excellent clergyman, who has refused to exchange a small 
curacy for three livings successively offered to him, and 
who, probably from this circumstance, will be recognised 
by many of the clerical readers of this memoir, " What 
can a man want who is useful and happy ?" And, to cite 
the remark of another, upon this truly Christian sentiment, 
'^ What can he want who has Christ in his ministrations, 
and (yhrist's love in his heart ?" 

The objection which Mr. Richmond made to his accept- 
ance of this benefice, was, the ap{)reliension that he should 
enter a sphere of much less usefulness than that in which 
he was then engaged An extensive field now lay open 
before him, and a competency was pledged to him ; but 
the tenure was uncertain. He dreaded, however, to be 
limited in his exertions to a small village ; not being aware, 
at that time, that the population of Tiuwey consisted oV 
eight or nine hundred souls. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 53 

At length, he yielded to the judgment of his friends, 
and entered on his labours at Turvey. He was inducted 
into the church by his friend Mr. Fry, on the 30th of July ; 
and, with his family, went to reside at the parsonage, in 
the month of October following At the time of his in- 
duction, he wrote the following letter to Mrs. Richmond : — 

" Emberton, July 30, 1805. 

" My dearest Mary, 

" I arrived safely, under divine blessing, at this good 
man's house, to dinner, yesterday. I have but a few mi- 
nutes, for a few lines ; but I must send that few. I went 
to Turvey this morning. I like the place — I like the 
Iiouse ; and I feel disposed to be well pleased, in spite of 
the casement windows, which are very good in their kind. 
I was inducted amidst the ringing of bells and congrega- 
tion of people, who assembled in troops, to peep at the 
new rector, and witness the ceremony. The church is 
very handsome and commodious. The day is delightful, 
and every thing appeared to adv ntage There are seve- 
ral conveniencies about the premises. I shall reserve all 
farther particulars, for conversation on Thursday evening, 
when I hope to see you. To-morrow I go to Mr. Hig- 
gins, and to make various inquiries at the rectory ; and in 
the evening, I preach for Mr. Fry. A vast many discus- 
sions, references, and settlements must be made ; and ] 
see, that in the opinion of all concerned, several things 
must be allowed to the Miss Middletons ; but others also 
must be conceded to me. A very gracious interview took 
place between us. We went to Bedford, for the necessary 
papers for induction. 

*' My first impression of all the premises at Turvey, 
was a favourable one ; and I am persuaded all may be 
comfortable, with a blessing on a contented and satisfied 
heart. 

" So pray for 
<< Your affectionate husband, 
" The Rector of Turvey.-' 

^^ Kiss little ones*'' 

6* 



34 MEMOIES or THE 



CHAPTER VI. 

Commencement of his ministerial labours at Turvey— 
Former state of the parish — Plans and exertions for its 
improvement — Judicious rules and regulations of his 
Friendly Society — Effect of his exertions — His ' Fathers 
of the English Church" — Doctrine and mode of preach- 
ing — Brief reflections on controversy. 

Mr. Richmond commenced his residence at Turvey, in 
October, 1805. But before we enter on the detail of his 
ministerial labours there, it may be proper to advert to the 
state and circumstances of the parish, previous to his ap- 
pointment to it as rector. 

The village of Turvey is situated between the two towns 
ot Bedford and Olney ; being eight miles distant from the 
former, and four from the latter. It was anciently the re- 
sidence of a noble family, some of whose warlike ancestor? 
repose beneath the beautiful and splendid marble monu- 
ments which adorn the chancel of the church. What 
was once the mansion, is now converted into a farm-house. 
Having long ceased to retain its original magnificence, it 
seems, in its present form, to announce the transitory cha- 
racter of human grandeur. The family of the Mordaunts, 
subsequently Earls of Peterborough, illustrious as it once 
was in British history, and celebrated for its achievements 
in arms, now no longer exists, having become extinct in 
the year 1814. How justly may we apply to these in- 
stances of the instability of all earthly dignities, the im- 
pressive exclamation of a distinguished judge of former 
days :* — '' And yet Time hath his revolutions ; there must 
be a period and an end to all temporal things — an end o£ 

* t-prd Chi^f Justice Crewe, in the tioie of ChaFles IJ^. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 55 

names and dignities, and of whatsoever is f^"^- J«' 
where is Bohun ?-where is Mowbray ?-where s Mort - 
mer "> Nay, which is more, and most of all, where is 
Plantagenet ? They are entombed in the urns and sepul- 

^'?^luTS.'Richmond's incu.nbency, the village of 
Turvey appears to have been greatly neglected. 1 he du- 
ties of the church were irregularly P^'fT^K '.hX in 
there ever more than one service on the Sabbath-day, m 
" populat on of at least 800 mhabitants. The ordmances 
KSnwere not respected : the minds of the peop e 
were .iossly ignorant, and their morals and manners rude 
Tnd di'sordeHy The Rev. Erasmus M.ddleton was Mr. 
Richmond's immediate predecessor ; a man d.stmgmshed 
both for his learning and p.ety. By hnn the serv^,es of 
the church were increased ; and the work of reform a on 
was gradually, though slowly, advancmg, when this faithful 
mmister was prematurely cut ofl. in the nndst of h,s exer- 
rnrhavmg retained his office only for the short penod of 

''"Mr! Richmond succeeded Mr. Middleton ; and entered 
on Ms new appointment with a reputation for talents and 
piety, which excited a great interest m the neighbourhood, 
and an expectation of extensive usefulness among his pa- 
rishioners. The text of his first sermon was taken from 
1 Cor ii 2 • " For I determined not to know any thing 
among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." From 
these w'ords, he uniformly preached on every returning 
anniversary of his incumbency, and continued to do so till 

the last year of his life. . ■ e 

To those who overlook the comprehensive meaning ot 
this passage of holy Scripture, the text may seem to be too 
limited in its view, and to restrict the whole summary of 
divine truth to the doctrine of the Atonement, without a 
due regard to other important branches of Chns .an faith 
and mactice. But let it be remembered, that the same 
Apostle, who "determined to know nothing but Jesus 
Christy and him crucified," avows, also, that he had "not 



56 MEMOIRS OF THE 

shunned to declare all the counsel of God," {Acts xx. 27 ;) 
and, consequently, the passage must be supposed to com- 
prise, within its ample range, the full extent and substance 
of every thing that is needful to the faith and practice of 
the Christian ; nor is there a subject, of doctrine or of 
morals, which is not essentially identified with the doctrine 
of the Cross. It is there that we best learn the malignity 
of sin, the nature and duty of repentance, the character of 
holiness, the motives and means for its attainment, and the 
dutiful obligation to " glorify God with our bodies and our 
spirits, which are his." 

The following account of Mr. Richmond's proceedings 
at Turvey, will convey to the reader a just notion of his 
zeal and judgment, in promoting the welfare of his parish. 

On the Sabbath-day, there were two regular full services ; 
and, in the evening, a lecture, more especially designed for 
the young. His weekly labours consisted of what he called 
his Tuesday-night cottage lecture from its being held suc- 
cessively in the cottages of the poor, whom he assembled 
in small groups, for the purpose of more familiar and inte- 
rior instruction than could be usefully or suitably delivered 
in public. On Friday evening, a lecture was delivered in 
the church, the prayers for the evening service being pre- 
viously read ; and, once a month, he met the communi- 
cants, on the Saturday preceding the sacrament. He had, 
also, a w^eekly service at the work-house. His labours 
were not confined to public instructions : like his divine 
Master, " he w^ent about doing good." At the cottages 
of the poor, he wa& a frequent visiter ; fulfilhng the apos- 
tolical injunction, of going from ** house to house," scat- 
tering the precious seed, making himself acquainted with 
their spiritual state, and gathering, from their answers, 
useful hints and reflections for the services of the succeed- 
ing Sabbath. 

A Sunday-school had been established at TuiTey for 
many years, endowed by Charles Higgins, Esq., who be- 
queathed 300Z. in support of the charity. John Higgins, 
Esq., of Turvey Abbey, his nephew and successoTv hai^ 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 57 

£,^encrously paid an interest for the bequest, of 20Z. a-year. 
The school, though well attended before, had its numbers 
considerably increased, and its rej^ulalions greatly improved 
])y the new rector. He appointed a master of real piety ; 
justly considering, that on the principles and character of 
the teacher, the efficiency and usefulness of these institu- 
tions materially depend. Mr. Richmond was accustomed 
to visit the school previous to divine service ; and, for the 
children's benefit chiefly, he engaged in a third service in 
tlie church, on the Sunday evening. Here the first fruits 
of bis ministry appeared. The conversion of two young 
people, who afterward died in the faith, followed his in- 
troductory address to children. Mr Richmond, indeed, 
was peculiarly happy on these occasions, and no part of 
his labours was attended with a more striking effect. 

Shortly afterward, he established a FViendly Society. 
Objections have not unfrequently been made to societies of 
this description, and a preference given to savings-banks. 
It must be admitted, that some of these objections are not 
without foundation. It has been said, " that the usual sub- 
scription of the members is insufficient to furnish a fund 
for the support of the arjed — an insufficiency greatly in- 
creased by gross mismanagement. That ordinary friendly 
societies are republics of the worst kind ; in which are 
found no men of talent or judgment, to control the dis- 
orders of their meetmgs, which too often present scenes of 
drunkenness, contentum, and misapplication of their funds ; 
— evils which, sooner or later, never fail to issue in bank- 
ruptcy. That a fifth part of the funds is regularly allowed 
for hquor, under the idea of encouraging the landlord, at 
whose house the subscriptions are usually paid. That the 
system is productive of iriuch immorality. That the poor 
man is alienated from his home, and longs for the excite- 
ment of company. That associations and habits are form- 
ed, which bring on a train of serious evils. That, to the 
sum allowed from the club, the poor man often adds a large 
part of his weekly earnings, and, instead of exercising 
prudence and economy, he wastes his money in intern 



58 MEMOIRS OF THE 

perate indulgence. These abuses of benefit societies have 
disgusted many persons, and induced them to give a pre- 
ference to savings banks, unaccompanied with annual din- 
ners and monthly resorts to the public-house. Admitting, 
however, the existence of these evils, and without detract- 
ing from the great public good of the savings-banks, it 
ought to be remembered, that the abuses complained of, 
form no just grounds of exception to friendly societies 
conducted on better principles ; and that the savings-banks 
cannot accomplish the same benefits, or in an equal degree. 
Their character and use is widely different from those of 
friendly societies. The little tradesman, the domestic 
servant, the bailiff or overseer of a farm, and others in 
similar circumsiances, may find in the banks, a safe and 
profitable repository for their savings ; but the labourer, 
especially if a married man, has no inclination to lay up 
the small sums he subscribes to a friendly society ; and 
these sums, if deposited at the banks would, in few 
cases, meet his necessities in sickness and old age. A 
long illness would exhaust his deposits, and oblige him to 
throw himself on his friends or the parish, for a maintenance ; 
but the friendly societies are, strictly, insurance com- 
panies : and if their funds be regulated by a just rale of in- 
surance, without which, it is granted, no friendly society 
deserves support — and if they be wisely and properly ma- 
naged, no institution is better calculated to afford the poor 
a comfortable and certain independency. 

Mr. Richmond, who was no mean financier, was fully 
competent to determine the scale of subscri})tion ; and by 
his judicious arrangements to prevent the evils complained 
of, and effectually secure to the poor the benefits of a 
friendly society. It is greatly to be desired that his plans 
were universally known ; and that all benefit societies 
were formed, or re modelled on similar principles. For 
the information of the public, the following sketch of the 
Turvey club has been inserted. 

The Friendly Society of Turvey, was composed of three 
divisions. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 59 

First, A club for children of both sexes, from seven to 
sixteen years of age ; each member pays one shilling en- 
trance, and a penny per month ; and is allowed in sickness 
eighteen-pence per week. From three to four pounds is 
the yearly expenditure on sick members. The society ban 
deposited 50Z. in the savings-bank, after twenty years' 
duration. Its members have varied from twenty to forty 
children. At sixteen years of age a member becomes 
eligible to the senior cluhs, and is entitled to receive half 
the entrance fi»r admission. 

Secondly, The club for women, confined to persons from 
seventeen to thirty-five years of age. The entrance is five 
shillings ; the monthly subscription one shilling, or one 
shilling and eight-pence, at the option of the members. 
Those who subscribe the larger sum, receive six shillings 
per week in illness ; and to the lesser subscriber is paid 
four shillings weekly. The number of members has varied 
from thirty to forty. The average payments for the last 
twenty years is 20/., and the society has 200Z. in the 
savings-bank. 

Thirdly, The men's club, also, forms a double class, who 
pay seven shillings and sixpence entrance, and one shil- 
ling, or one shilling and fourpence monthly ; and they re- 
ceive eight shillings or six shillings weekly in sickness. 
Their annual expenditure has been £S5, and their present 
fund amounts to nearly £400. These clubs have about 
twenty honorary members, who greatly contribute to the 
opulence and prosperity of these institutions ; and their 
bounty, joined to the subscriptions of a constant succes- 
sion of young members, Mr. Richmond considered, on the 
calculation of the Northampton tables, to be adequate to 
the demands of the club. The rules and regulations of 
the Turvey club, resemble, in most respects, those of other 
friendly societies ; but some additions and amendments 
were made by Mr. Richmond, too important to be omitted. 
First. — No persons of immoral character were admis- 
sible, or such as were likely to disgrace the society by ha- 



(50 MEMOIRS OF THE 

bits of drinking, impurity, cursing and swearing, or other 
notorious crimes. 

Secondly. — A careful superintendence was maintained 
over the members, by Mr. Richmond and the officers of 
the society. Offenders were admonished ; and after 
three admonitions, if unreclaimed, were excluded from the 
benefits of the society. 

Thirdly. -^The practice of assembling the members of 
these societies at public houses, and of spending a portion 
of their funds in hquor, was prohibited ; and their meet- 
ings were held in the vestry of the church, at which Mr» 
Richmond constantly attended. By this arrangement near- 
ly a ffth part of the funds was saved, and the temptations 
of the pubhc house prevented. 

In this, and indeed in all other plans of improvement. 
Mr. Richmond was the presiding genius. Every thing 
was conducted under his eye, and owed its success to his 
wisdom and example. He possessed the happy talent of 
exciting interest, conciliating regard and meeting difficul- 
ties with calmness ; he overcame impediments by a gentle- 
ness that disarmed opposition, a judgment that corrected 
mistake, and a temper which diffused universal harmony. 
There was an openness in his manner, which impressed all 
with a conviction of his sincerity, and prevented a suspi- 
cion of his having any other motive, than a wish to pro- 
mote the welfare of his parishioners. 

Where he met with opposition, he did not hazard the 
failure of his measures by indiscreetly urging them ; but 
he rather left his arguments silently and gradually to pro- 
duce their effect. Circumspection and caution marked 
every part of his conduct ; his great aim being at all times 
to give no offence in any thing, that " the ministry might 
not be blamed.'* He was consistent throughout, in his 
ordinary intercourse with his parishioners ; and thus, the 
energy of his zeal in the pulpit was known not to be the 
excitement of the moment, " the sparks of his own kind- 
ling ;" but the steady flame of a Divine spirit, imparting 
to others the sacred glow which animated his own bosom. 



RKV. T.F-OH RICHMOND. 01 

To the character, example, and authority of Mr. Rich- 
mond, the members of these societies submitted their 
judgment, and yielded, for the most part, a ready acquies- 
cence in his counsels. 

Notwithstandinsr the acknowledged excellence of these 
plans, there appears to the writer of this memoir, one im- 
portant defect. His societies were still t»f republican cha- 
racter ; and it was competent to the members to injure 
their own interests, by an overpowering majority. On one 
occasion, this defective government had nearly proved fa- 
tal to the Turvey club. The funds had increased beyond 
the expectation of the members, who, in a time of great 
pressure, resolved to appropriate a portion of them to the 
relief of their necessities ; and they were with difficulty 
hindered from their purpose, by his firmness and personal 
influence. This defect is remedied in a society formed at 
Emberton, on Mr. Richmond's plan. One of the rules of 
which provides, that no proposition shall pass into a law, 
without the concurrence of the president and honorary 
members. Mr. Richmond acknowledged the improve- 
ment upon his principle, observing, with his usual frank- 
ness, " our good friend at Emberton has secured by law, 
what I have effected by personal influence." 

It is very desirable that the rules of these societies, after 
a time, should be enrolled according to act of parliament ; 
by which they become legal corporations, and the evil at- 
tending the removal of such men as Mr. Richmond, is 
provided for, as far, at least, as it can be done, by bringing 
these societies under the sanction and protection of the 
law, and thus enabling the better informed of the poor 
themselves, to ensure the proper application of their funds, 
and control the sudden impulse of popular feeling. 

Mr. Richmond's club, like other similar institutions, 
kept their anniversary ; but in a different way, and with 
different effects. These feasts are usually held at the pub- 
lic house, and lead to much disorder. The feast at Tur- 
vey was not a revel of riot and drunkenness ; but a gene- 
rous hospitality, consistent with Christian principle. Mr. 

7 



62 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Richmond invited, on these occasions, a numher of hii? 
clerical brethren, and other respectable ladies and gentle- 
men in the neighbourhood, who usually assembled at Tur- 
vey, to the number of thirty or forty persons, and with a 
large concourse of the villagers, accompanied the society 
to the church. The subjoined letter gives a pleasing ac- 
count of the proceedings of the day. 

" My dear Friend, 

'• You wish me to give you some account of the anniver- 
sary of Mr. Richmond's Friendly Societies. This I shall 
do with pleasure, having attended several of them. 

" He generally kept the anniversary in Whitsun- 
week. lou already know that Mr. R. has three Friendly 
Societies ; one for men, a second for women, and a third 
for young persons. Hence it frequently happens, that the 
father is a member of the one, the mother of another, and 
the children of the third. Each club consists of the higher 
and middle classes of parishioners, as well as of the poor. 
The former contribute, but do not share in the benefit, 
while the latter are thus more liberally assisted. 

" On the anniversary, all these clubs go to church and 
hear a sermon, after which they dine together in the school- 
room. As this is an important place on the occasion, you 
must indulge me with a moment of your time, while I show 
you its interior. Imagine to yourself a fine, large, airy 
room, with a lofty ceiling, following the form of the roof oi' 
the building ; the floor even, and the walls, as well as the 
top, beautifully white. Every part of the room is orna- 
mented with the staves of the different members, painted blue, 
and disposed upon the walls, somewhat like the swords and 
halberts in an armoury. These are surmounted with bou- 
quets and festoons of fiovrers in rich profusion ; for which, 
the 'squires' gardens and shrubberies are laid under such 
heavy contributions, that it needs almost a year to replenish 
them. Think of the variety of floAvers and shrubs that a 
village like Turvey would produce at Whitsuntide, and you 
may conclude that the choicest of them are to be found 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 63 

most tastefully disposed over the room. One garland is 
suspended from the centre, and which is carried before the 
clubs to the church, instead of any colours In the centre 
of this garland, which is in the form of a sphere, there is a 
triangle, emblematical of the three clubs united in one ; 
and in the centre of the top of the room hangs the triangle 
of Unity, which I shall have occasion to notice by and by. 
Four tables are placed round the room, so as to form one. 
That at the top for the honorary members, the clergy and 
gentry ; on the right are placed the men, on the left the 
women> and at the lower table the children. 1 have been 
thus minute, because the order as well as the elegance dis- 
played on the occasion, contributes much to the good effect 
of the whole. At eleven o'clock the 'squires of Turvey, 
Mr. and Mrs. Richmond with their friends, and some of 
the neighbouring clergy, assemble to meet the club, near 
the school-room A long train of members of the different 
clubs proceed in order to the church, headed by the rec- 
tor ; the benefit members all carrying blue staves. The 
same order is observed on returning from church to the 
school-room. A visiter generally preaches the sermon. 

'< We were disbanded at the school-room, and allowed 
an hour to ramble about ; after which we were summoned 
to dinner by a bell. The members had taken their places 
when we entered the room. We were disposed at the chief 
table, and on a signal given all rose up, and Mr. Richmond 
said the grace. The covers were removed, and we enjoyed 
a very nice dinner. After dinner, the following grace was 
sung by the whole company, standing : — 

" We thank the Lord for this our food, 

But more because of Jesu's blood; 

Let manna to our souls be g^iven, 

The bread of life sent down from heaven." 

" At this part of the day, as many of the villagers as 
can approach the doors and windows, are allowed to gratify 
their curiosity in seeing and hearing what is going on. Af- 
ter a glass of wine at our tables, and the simpler beverage 



64 MEMOIRS OF THE 

of nut-brown ale at the tables on our right and left, the 
steward for the day proposed a vole of thanks to Mr. and 
Mrs. Richmond, for their attention to the interests of the 
club Upon which, Mr. Richmond rose and addressed 
them at some length on the principles of these societies, 
and he had recourse to the triangle before mentioned, on 
whose sides were written, ' Faith, Hope, Charity ;' and 
on crossbars, ' Mutual Support, Unity Patience,' &c. 
He commented on these with his usual simplicity and piety, 
reverting to the early history of the institution, and urging 
the necessity of keeping those principles steadily in view, 
both in regard to their conduct in the management of their 
society, and towards each other. He dwelt also on the 
subject of the perpetuity of clubs, and the necessity of ta- 
king the calculation of human life from more recent tables, 
than those from which it had hitherto been made ; experi- 
ence having proved that human life is generally longer than 
had been supposed. I need not say lie made himself un- 
derstood ; but I may say he gave the whole discussion 
such an air of interest, that all were delighted as well as 
improved. 

" A few minutes after Mr. Richmond had resumed his 
seat, the steward proposed tiie thanks of the societies to 
the honorary members, for their countenance and support. 
When this had passed, Mr. Grimshaw^ arose on the part of 
the honorary members. His address contained a strong 
appeal to their moral principles, and w^as heard with much 
interest. After a short interval, the honourable Mr. Powys 
made an address, in which he exhibited such a burst of 
feelmg as almost to prevent utterance for some moments. 
His remarks produced a more than ordinary effect on the 
whole assembly. He held in his hand a narrative of a 
w^aterraan, who had plied upon the river Thames, and by his 
honest industry, had been able not only to educate several 
of his relatives and settle them in the world, but also to 
leave considerable pecuniary legacies to some public reli- 
gious societies. This book he presented to Mrs. Rich- 
mond, with a request that she would lend it to the members 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 65 

of the club, to teach them the blessings of patient indus- 
hy, with the fear of God. He pointed out to them in the 
waterman's character, his conscientious observance of the 
Sabbath, in his steady refusal to ply on the river on thai 
day. 

" What I said, I must leave you to conjecture. The 
happy countenances around me — the beautiful effect of 
the pendant flowers, and the sweet union of ' young men 
and maidens, old men and children,' filled my mind with 
so many pleasing ideas, that I assure you I could not con- 
tinue silent, nor refrain from contrasting the scenes of 
wretchedness I had witnessed in the manufacturing dis- 
tricts of the north, with the comfort and tranquillity of 
Turvey. 

*' I have mentioned to you, that I was present at several 
of these anniversaries, and I could not help observing 
that they were so managed, as never to present an unin- 
teresting sameness. Some new incident furnished a plea- 
sing variety. On one occasion, the senior chaplain of St. 
Helena was present. With a view to inspire content- 
ment amongst the poor, he drew a lively contrast between 
their comforts and his own privations ni that island. He 
told them, that in consequence of the failure of the regu- 
lar supplies of provisions, they w^ere frequently reduced to 
the necessity of eating salted beof, as black and hard as 
the piece of mahogany which he held in his hand. After 
describing Buonaparte's residence at Longwood, he pro- 
duced a lock of his hair, which was handed round the 
tables, and of course examined with eager curiosity. 

<' Without entering into further detail. I would make 
this general remark — that so much cheerful sobriety, de- 
corum and good feeling, were every where visible, as to 
afford a lively illustration of St. Paul's precept, < using 
this world as not abusing it.' 

" At the close of the meeting, Mr. Richmond requested 
a part of the company to drink tea with him at his own 
house. His conversation was carried on in the same im- 
proving strain, and was calculated to engage the attention 

7^ 



66 MEMOIRS OF THE 

of the younger clergy of his neighbourhood, whom he 
frequently invited on these occasions. 

" In closing my letter, one subject of mournful reflec- 
tion forces itself upon my mind — These scenes are passed 
away ! our dear friend is indeed gone to a more beauteous 
abode — a pleasant paradise above ; but the vineyard he 
has left may, I fear, in some future day. be overgrown with 
weeds and the anniversary at Turvey cease to present 
the same happy fruits to win our admiration, to console 
and improve our hearts. Yet many of the members of 
tlie Friendly Societies at Turvey, are members of Christ. 
These will follow their beloved pastor, their father, and 
their friend, to that blessed society, whose members are 
' no more sick.' 

" That you and I may be numbered with them, is the 
sincere wish of your faithful friend, 

" Amos Westobs^.'^ 

The good effects of these societies were universally felt. 
The poor learned to enjoy hospitality without excess. An 
occasional intercourse between rich and poor, called forth 
affections and emotions of sympathy and kindness in the 
one, of respect and gratitude in the other. Instead of 
the usual scenes at such meetings, a cheerfulness and de- 
corum without constraint prevailed, and a respect for re- 
ligion gave a sacred character to the whole. It is re- 
markable, that for twenty anniversaries, though an instance 
or two might be selected, of persons retiring from the 
meeting to a public-house, not a single instance of intem- 
perance occurred at the school-room. Another good 
effect of these societies was strikingly exemplified in the 
improvement of the female character. A lamentable de- 
parture from propriety previous to marriage, was general, 
before the establishment of these societies ; afterward, 
however, it was a rare occurrence. 

As might be expected, his exertions on the week day 
contributed, in no small degree, to give effect to Mr. 
Richmond's ministry, and attach the people to it. The 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 67 

church was numerously attended ; the sabbath became a 
]ial lowed day, and its approach was anticipated with lively 
expectation. The Gospel was preached with fidelity, and 
heard with deep and solemn interest. Many were awa- 
kened from a state of insensibility and thoughtlessness, to a 
just estimation of the truths which they heard from their 
beloved pastor. Instances were not wanting, of sound 
and solid conversion ; and even those who received little 
spiritual benefit, learned to treat religion with respect, and 
began to exhibit a decency of deportment. Vice did not 
lift up the head with its wonted effrontery, nor was sin 
committed with the same fearless unconcern 

Another circumstance in the ministry of Mr. Rich- 
mond, deserves the particular attention of the reader ; 
we mean the examination of candidates for the com- 
munion. It has often been objected to the Church of 
England, that her ministers admit to the Lord's Supper 
indiscriminately, and without due regard to the principles 
and character of the communicants. The charge cannot 
apply to a consistent minister of the Established Church. 
He is empowered, nay. required, by the instructions of 
that church, to put in force her disciphne — to examine, to 
reject, or admit at his own discretion ; subject, indeed, as 
it ought to be, to the approval of his superior. 

Mr. Richmond, as a faithful son of the church, and a 
no less faithful minister of the Gospeh endeavoured to 
carry into effect the requirements of the Rubric, and the 
directions of the Holy Scriptures : 1 Cor. v. 7, &c. ; xi. 
28. The person proposing himself for the communion, 
was examined, and a year of probation was recommended 
to him for the trial of his sincerity, and the manifestation 
of it by a consistent and virtuous conversation. Perhaps 
there were few communions which exhibited a more satis- 
factory piety ; and the attendants at the sacrament were, 
for the most part, the fruits of his own ministry, and tl^e 
dearest objects of his heart : he was regarded by them as 
a father ; they consulted him on all occasions, and received 
advice and sympathy in all their affairs, both temporal and 



68 MEMOIRS OF THE 

spiritual. At once respected and beloved by " the chil- 
dren which God had given him," he, in return, watched 
over them with anxiety, prayed for them with earnestness, 
instructed them with diligence, ruled them with mildness, 
and regarded them with the affection of an apostle : *< for 
now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord." — 1 Thess iii. 8. 

While Mr Richmond was thus fulfilling the duties of an 
active and laborious parish priest, he commenced a work, 
which justly entitles him to the gratitude of present and 
succeeding generations. We allude to the ' Fathers of 
the English Church,' a publication containing copious and 
impartial selections from the writings of our Reformers, 
and comprising a valuable mass of theological knowledge, 
illustrative of the doctrines of the Reformation. Nothing 
of the kind had ever been attempted, and perhaps, few 
modern divines possessed the requisite means of infor- 
mation. 

The circumstance to which Mr. Richmond was indebted 
for his superiority on this subject, is singular, and deserves 
insertion. While he resided in the Isle of Wight, and 
shortly after his perusal of ' Wilberforce's Practical View,' 
which had effected so striking a change in his own senti- 
ments and character, a grocer at Newport sent him some 
trifling article wrapped up in a leaf of Bishop Jewell's 
Apology. His attention was directed to the wrapper by 
one of his family, who jocosely remarked, " this looks as 
if it would suit you, Legh." He read the leaf, and instantly 
set off for Newport, to inquire after the remaining pages. 
The grocer, smiling at the anxiety of his clerical customer, 
rephed, " O yes, Sir, here they are, and 1 have a whole 
hogshead of these worthies ; they are much at your ser- 
vice, for two-pence a pound." The treasure was speedily 
and joyfully secured ; and to this incident, trivial as it may 
appear, Mr. Richmond owed his extensive and profound 
acquaintance with the authors of the Reformation, 

It is, indeed, a humiliating consideration, that works 
like these should lose the veneration of posterity, and be 
treated with the contempt due only to the meanest pro 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 69 

iactions of the day. It was an honour reserved for Mr. 
Richmond, to draw from obscurity the writings of those 
eminent men, who had shaken empires hy their discus- 
sions, overthrown systems which centuries had .struggled 
to uphold, and seahng their testimony with their blood, 
bequeathed a sacred legacy of pure doctrine to the Pro- 
testant church. 

At the urgent and repeated entreaties of a large body 
of the clergy, Mr. Riciimond con.sented to lay before the 
public a prospectus of his [)lan, about the year 1806 ; and 
shortly after, he puhlistied the work itself in numbers, 
which was completed in eight volumes, it was favourably 
received, and is allowed to bn executed with much judg- 
ment and im[)artiality. On the whole, the f^lection is 
rich and appropriate — presenting a perfect uniformity of 
sentiment in the great essentials of Christianity ; and if 
compared with the writings of many modern divines, de- 
tecting in those writiiigs a mournful departure from the 
truth, r^ome parts of the selection mi^ht, perhaps, have 
been omitted, without injury to the cause of vital religicm ; 
and other extracts adHed, which would have increased the 
value of the publication The candid reailer will allow 
for these defects, and duly appreciate what has been ac- 
complished. It is only wonderful, that amidst incessant 
parochial labour, when it was difficult to find moments 
unemployed or spirits unexhiusted. Mr Richmond should 
have been able to bring together so much valuable material 
with credit to himself and advantage to the « hnrch of God, 
A man less devoted would have shrunk from the task, or 
have failed in its execution But the apostle's command 
was Legh Richmond's motto througfh life ; <* give thyself 
wholly to them." His heart was in his work : he turned 
for relaxation to his employment, and found refreshment in 
its variety. 

From this brief mention of the ' Fathers of the English 
Church,' we are naturally led to the consideration of the 
doctrines in that work, to which Mr. Richmond attached 



70 MEMOIRS OF THE 

SO much importance, and which furnished the leading to- 
pics of his own ministry. 

He has often been heard to declare, " that two great 
subjects pervaded the Bible — sin^ and salvation from sin ; 
and that these ought to form the basis of the Christian mi- 
nistry." 

In his addresses from the pulpit, he never failed to point 
out, distinctly and forcibly, mans ruin by tlie fall — his 
condemnation under the law, and his moral inability to deli- 
ver himself by any poicer or strength of his oum. — Free 
and full justification, through faith in the atoning blood 
and righteousness of the Redeemer — the na'ure of that 
faith, and its fruits and evidences, — the agency of the 
Holy Spirit, in the regeneration and sanctificatio7i of be- 
lievers ; — and the necessity of personal ris^hteousness, or a 
conformity of heart and life with the word of God — not as 
the title to heaven, but as a meetness for its enjoyment. 
These are fundamental doctrines, m which all true Chris- 
tians, without distinction of sect or party, cordially unite. 
They have been the food of the church of God in all ages — 
the manna which has sustained her childrrn in the many 
and diversified scenes of human trial and infirmity ; they 
have been the song of their pilgrimage ; their joy in tri- 
bulation ; their light in darkness, and their guide to life 
and immortahty 

In addition to the above-mentioned doctrines, Mr. Rich- 
mond adopted the views which are commonly called Cal- 
vinistic ; but not in that offensive sense in which they are 
frequently, though most erroneously imputed. It is not 
the intention of the editor to enter here on the Calvinistic 
controversy : this is neither the time nor the place for such 
a discussion. He may offer a still better reason for his 
silence — the conviction which he has long entertained ^ 
that the real question at issue^ and the one in which the 
interests of true religion are most concerned, is not, whe- 
ther the Articles of our Church, and the sentiments of the 
Reformers, be more or less Calvinistic ; but whether we 
spiritually understand, and cordially embrace those funda- 



bev. LEGH RICHMOMj. 7i 

mental principles, the belief of which is indispensable to 
salvation, and the well-being of every Christian community. 

These principles are stated, with admirable precision, 
and strict adherence both to the letter and spirit of the 
Scriptures, in the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12ih, and 13th Articles 
of the Church of England ; and must ever entitle her to 
rank among the purest of the reformed churches. Satisfied 
with the principles there laid down, we may safely allow a 
latitude of interpretation on points which, though deemed 
important by some, are not maintained by any to be essen- 
tial to salvation 

The following analysis of Mr Richmond's mode of 
preaching, is submitted to the candid consideration of 
those persons who have fostered prejudices founded on 
error and misrepresentation ; — prejudices not wholly un- 
accompanied by a very culpable ignorance, and which cha- 
rity and truth must ahke lament and condemn. 

As a preacher, he was scriptural — experimental — prac- 
tical — comprehensive — powerful in his appeals to the con- 
science, and addresses to the heart — -full of pathos and in- 
terest. 

1 . He iDas scriptural. A rich vein of divine truth was 
diffused through his sermons, arising from a frequent pe- 
rusal of the Bible, and a familiar acquaintance with every 
part of it. No man can become a sound and enlightened 
divine, who does not give his days and nights to the study 
of the Word of God, accompanied by prayer and medita- 
tion. The connexion of solid piety with an intimate know- 
ledge of the Scriptures, is indissoluble. This forms, in- 
deed, the manual of every Christian, but belongs in a more 
especial manner to the minister of the sanctuary. It is 
the armoury whence he must draw all his weapons ; — it is 
the treasury whence he is to be supplied with every motive 
and every argument which, through the grace and power 
of the Holy Spirit, can fix conviction on the mind, rouse 
the torpid conscience, excite the affections of the heart, 
and elevate the soul to God. It is the sceptre of righteous- 
ness, by which he rules and guides the flock ; — the rod 



72 ^liiJlOlliS Vt THIS 

and staff of their support, in the dark valley and shadow 
of death ; and by it they are taught the new song, which 
will animate their praises in the land of their inheritance — 
" Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and 
riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, 
and blessing, for ever and ever. Amen." 

Such was the model on which Mr. Richmond formed 
his ministry. He did not, like the polished but flimsy es- 
sayist in divinity, select a motto to head a discourse, vague 
and unappropriate ; — nor did he encumber his expositions 
with an unnecessary parade of human learning ; nor seek 
to attract admiration by ingenious subtleties, or wrest the 
Scripture to subserve a system. He regarded his office as 
being that of an interpreter ; and his aim was, with simpli- 
city and plainness, to unfold the mind of God in his word : 
" rightly dividing the word of truth, and giving to each 
their portion of meat in due season." 

2. He 7vas experimental. Divine truth, from his lips, 
was not a cold, speculative statement. He declared, 
" that which he had seen, and heard, and tasted, of the 
word of life." From the heart he preached to the heart, 
and seemed to enter into all its secret recesses. He de- 
tected the illusions by which it is beguiled — he traced hu- 
man action to its hidden springs — he accompanied the soul 
in the alternations of doubt and hope, of fear and joy, in 
its conflicts with despair and unbelief ; till, led to the foot 
of the cross, it found peace with God. 

3. He was practical. He did not preach doctrine with- 
out practice, nor practice without doctrine ; but both in 
due proportion, in their mutual dependence, connexion, and 
use. He connected precept with promise, and privilege 
with duty. As a spiritual workman, he considered the 
doctrines to be his tools, and practice the effect to be 
wrought out by them ; adopting the sentiment of one of 
his favourite Reformers — " truly it is said, * without holi- 
ness, no man shall see the Lord ;' but this I know, without 
the Lord, no man shall see holiness." 

4. He was comprehensive, Christianity, in his mode of 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 73 

^xliibiling it, was a grand and comprehensive whole ; while 
the symmetry of the several parts was faithfully preserved. 
All the doctrines and all the precepts,^ — all the promises, 
and all the characters to whom they are made — all the pri- 
vileges and all the duties, were, in turn, the theme of his 
discourses. Of the doctrines, even the highest, he Avould 
say, ** I dare not omit what God has revealed to his church : 
nor call that useless or dangerous, which he requires me to 
believe and teach." Of the privileges and promises — 
" Human weakness needs encouragement ; it can stand no 
longer than it is supported — it can only climb by clinging." 
Of the duties and precepts — " While the apostle charges 
me constantly to affirm, that those who have believed be 
careful to maintain good works, my good people must allow 
me to stir up their pure minds in the way of remembrance." 

The well informed reader will easily discern the old di- 
vine in these sentiments. The highest Calvinist, in former 
days, took in the whole range of Christian faith and prac- 
tice. Usher, and others of the supralapsarian school, are 
as minute and particular in explaining and enforcing the 
law, in all its ramifications, as they were full and glowing 
in setting forth the grace of the Gospel ; and insisted as 
strenuously on the necessity and importance of good works, 
as the lowest Arminian. 

5. He was impressive in Ids appeals to the heart and 
conscience. No man better understood that part of a dis- 
course which consists in the application. Some preachers 
are very deficient in this respect ; either wholly omitting 
to apply their subject, or for the most part failing in dis- 
crimination. A discourse, to be profitable, must come 
home to our own case. 

Mr. Richmond, in appeahng to his hearers, was faithful, 
searching, forcible, and impressive. " He reproved, rebu- 
ked, exhorted, with all long-sufiering and doctrine ;" but his 
exhortations were accompanied by the most aftecting dis- 
plays of the mercy, power, and grace of God in the Gos- 
pel ; and while his own experience of the truths be utter^ 
ed, gave an authority and efficacy to his words, Godputlii? 



74 MEMOIRS OF Tllli 

seal to the testimony, and crowned his labours with 
success. 

In presenting this delineation of Mr. Richmond's mode 
of preaching, the editor feels there would yet be something 
wanting, to give its complete character, if it were not 
stated more specifically, that the Saviour, in his various 
offices of Prophet, Priest, and King, was the grand theme 
of Mr. Richmond's ministrations. His excellence, like 
that of a skilful painter, consisted in so arranging all the 
subordinate parts of his picture, as to give due prominence 
and effect to the principal figure. Christ Jesus teas the 
soul of all his discourses ; and every precept, every pro- 
mise, derived its force and value from its bearing and re- 
lation to Him. 

A style of preaching hke this, must be allowed to be sin- 
gularly useful, combining all that is important and requisite 
in a Christian preacher. His ministry possessed two pe- 
culiar excellencies, — it was too practical to make an Anti- 
nomian, and too doctrinal to make the mere moralist. An- 
tinomianism may indeed exist, notwithstanding the utmost 
precaution of the preacher ; and a dependence on our own 
works is interwoven with the very frame of our corrupt 
nature ; but a minister is only then culpable, when his 
mode of preaching has a direct tendency to produce either 
the one or the other. No man was ever more free from 
both these defects, as a preacher, nor any congregation 
more exempt than his own from these pernicious errors. 
In that important branch of Christian theology relating to 
faith and works, where some preachers are most confused, 
he was most clear and scriptural. He laid the foundation 
in Christ alone, and in faith in his name ; — a faith which 
was the gift of God, and the work of his Spirit ; living, 
energetic, fruitful and holy ; — not the cause, but the instru- 
ment of salvation ; and he taught, that good works were 
themselves the subjects of promise [Mich. vii. 19 ;) the ne- 
cessary fruits and evidences of faith, but not the meritori- 
ous conditions, in v/hole or in part, of the divine favour. 
It may be thought, that where the necessitv of faith and 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 75 

good works is equally admitted, distinctions of this kind 
need not be pressed with so much earnestness ; but it will 
be found, that the right understanding of these distinctions 
involves the most important consequences. It is not a mat- 
ter of small moment, w^hether we put cause for effect, or 
attribute to our own imperfect services, that salvation, 
which is the result of God's free grace in Christ Jesus. So 
far as our own doings enter into the meritorious grounds 
of our acceptance, they destroy the character of the Gos- 
pel as a dispensation of gratuitous mercy. " If by grace, 
then is it no more of works ; otherwise, grace is no more 
grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace ; 
otherwise, work is no more work " — Rom. xi. 6. It has 
been said, that the poor, who constitute the larger part of a 
congregation, are unable to comprehend these theological 
subtleties, which ought not, therefore, to form a part of 
ministerial instruction. We cannot better meet this obr 
jection, than by a reference to the sentiments of Bishop 
Horsely : — " Pray earnestly to God to assist the ministra- 
tion of the word, by the secret influence of his Holy 
Spirit^ on the minds of your hearers ; and, nothing dotrbt- 
ing that your prayers are heard, however mean and illiU' 
rate the congregation may be, in which you exercise your 
sacred functions, fear not to set before them the ftfhole 
counsel of God. Open the whole of your message vnthaat 
reservation ; that every one of you may have confidence to 
say, when he shall be called upon to give an account of 
his stewardship, ' Lord, I have not hid thy righteousness 
within my heart ; I have not concealed thy loving-kindness 
and truth from the great congregation.- " We will merely 
add to this testimony, that the doctrines of grace are often 
better understood by the poor and illiterate, than by the 
rich and the wise. " I thank thee. O Father, Lord of 
heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from 
the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes." 
— Matt. xi. 25. The cross of Christ, which is declared 
to be, " to the Jews a stumbling-block, and to the Greeks, 
foolishness," is to them that believe " the power of God, 



76 MEMOIRS OF THE 

and the wisdom of God."— 1 Cor, i. 24. The reception 
of divine truth demands not human learning, but poverty 
and humiUation of spirit. The learned are required to be- 
come as fools, and to enter the kingdom of heaven as a 
little child. While to learning is reserved the honour of 
defending the outworks of religion ; it is the happy privi- 
lege of none but the meek and lowly, whether learned or 
unlearned, wise or ignorant, rich or poor^ to enter in and 
be saved. 

After these extended remarks on Mr. Richmond's mode 
of preaching, which the importance of the subject seems 
to justify, we may now be permitted to ask, whence are 
we to account for that prevalent disposition to represent 
ministers of Mr. Richmond's sentiments as preaching 
about nothing but exterminating decrees, predestination, 
election, and reprobation ; and incessantly occupied in 
proclaiming doctrines without practice, a God without 
love, and a faith without morality ? Surely, it is time to 
awake from this illusion, which first creates a phantom, 
then combats it, and afterward gains an imaginary triumph 
over a no less imaginary opponent. Men should not be 
charged with consequences which they disavow ; much 
less be accused at one moment of relaxing all the obliga- 
tions of moral virtue, and at the next of enforcing them 
beyond the bounds of reasonable strictness. If, by the 
above language, it is meant to attach the charge of high 
Calvinism to that portion of the clergy, who are here in- 
tended to be specified, high Calvinism is most unequivo- 
cally not the prevailing creed of those to whom the term is 
often so indiscriminately and ignorantly applied. Many 
are known to disclaim the title of Calvinist altogether. 
Few, very few are disposed to climb its Alpine heights ; 
and the general persuasion seems to be, that in the con- 
struction of the doctrinal articles of our church, there is a 
suflftcient approximation of sentiment to prove a resem- 
blance to the views of Calvin, and yet a suflficient distinc- 
tion to show that there is not an identity. Party names of 
any kind are highly objectionable and oflTensive in a cause 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 77 

-o sacred as that of religion, because they seem to give to 
erring man the honour and pre-eminence that belongs to 
God alone. ** Be not ye called Rabbi, for one is your 
Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren : Call no man 
your father upon the earth, for one is your Father which is 
in heaven : Neither be ye called masters, for one is your 
Master, even Christ." Matt, xxiii. 8 — 10. 

But if a term be employed to designate the religious 
creed of the clergy in question, that of modified Calvinism 
is, perhaps, the most appropriate. They conceive the Re- 
formers, in the composition of the articles, to have disco- 
vered that happy medium of doctrine, which is free from 
objectionable extremes, which gives to grace its freeness, 
and to man the responsibility belonging to a moral agent ; 
and while it ascribes to God all the glory of salvation, 
charges the sinner with the guilt of his own condemnation. 
The sentiments of that distinguished prelate. Bishop 
Horseley, whom we have already quoted, are, on this sub- 
ject, entitled to notice. " It has been the fashion," he re- 
marks, " of late, to talk of Arminianism as the system of 
the Church of England, and of Calvinism as something 
opposite to it, to which the church is hostile. That I may 
not be misunderstood in what I have said, or may have 
occasion farther to say upon this subject, I must here de- 
clare, that I use the words Arminianism and Calvinism 
in that restricted sense in which they are generally taken. 
— to denote the doctrinal part of each system, as uncon- 
nected with the principles either of Arminians or Calvin- 
ists, upon church discipline and church government. This 
being premised, I assert, what I have often before asserted, 
and by God's grace I will persist in the assertion to my dying 
day, that so far is it from the truth, that the Church of England 
is decidedly Arminian, and hostile to Calvinism, that the truth 
is this — that upon the principal points in dispute between 
the Arminians and the Calvinists — upon all the points of 
doctrine characteristic of the two sects, the Church of 
England maintains an absolute neutrality ; her articles ex- 
plicitly assert nothing but what is believed both bv Armi- 

8* 



ib MEMOIRS OF THE 

nians and Calvinists. The Calvinists, indeed, hold some 
opinions relative to the same points, which the Church ol* 
England has not gone the length of asserting in her articles ; 
but neither has she gone the length of explicitly contradict- 
ing those opinions ; insomuch, that there is nothing to hin- 
der the Arminian and the highest supralapsarian Calvinist 
from walking together in the Church of England and Ire- 
land as friends and brothers, if they both approve the dis- 
cipline of the church, and both are willing to submit to it. 
Her discipline has been approved — it has been submitted 
to — it has been in former times most ably and zealously de- 
fended by the highest supralapsarian Calvinists. Such 
\vas the great Usher ; such was Whitgift ; such were many 
more ; — burning and shining lights of our church in her 
early days (when first she shook off the papal tyranny,) 
long since gone to the resting place of the spirits of the 
just." 

If, by the charge of holding a faith without morality, it 
is intended to arraign the doctrine of justification by faith, 
are those who make this charge aware that they are im- 
pugning one of the articles of their own church, whicli 
expressly asserts this doctrine ? — That it is illustrated at 
large, as we have already proved, in the book of Homilies ? 
— That it forms a characteristic ground of distinction be- 
tw^een the Protestant and Romish churches ; and is one of 
the fundamental principles of Christianity itself? Once 
more let us appeal to the authority of Bishop Horseley : — 
" That man is justified by faith, without the works of the 
law, w^as the uniform doctrine of the first Reformers. It 
is a far more ancient doctrine, — it was the doctrine of the 
whole college of apostles. It is more ancient still, — it 
was the doctrine of the prophets. It is older than the 
prophets, — it was the rehgion of the patriarchs." 

Nor can we omit the insertion of the following admoni- 
tory hint from the same quarter : — " Take special care," 
says that distinguished prelate, *•' before you aim your 
shafts at Calvinism, that you know what is Calvinism, and 
what is Dot ; — that, in that mass of doctrine, which it is of 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 79 

late become the fashion to abuse, under the name of Cal- 
vinism, you can distinguish with certainty between that 
part of it which is nothing better than Calvinism ; and that 
which belongs to our common Christianity ; and the gene- 
ral faith of the reformed churches ; lest, when you mean 
only to fall foul of Calvinism, you should unwarily, attack 
something more sacred, and of higher origin. 

After this almost involuntary allusion to polemical divi* 
nity, but which the nature of the subject, and the peculiar 
circumstances of our own church, seem to have rendered 
unavoidable, we cannot close this chapter without a few re- 
flections. 

It may check the pride and asperity of religious contro- 
versy, to remember, that amidst the various attempts to 
unite mankind, at different periods, within the bounds of 
one common uniformity of opinion ; whether under the 
names of Luther, Calvin, or Arminius, or under the various 
subdivisions of the present day ; all have alike failed in the 
establishment of an universal standard. But it well de- 
serves our notice, that, while each denomination claims a 
preference for their own peculiarities, God has given his 
blessing to all, wherever their aim has been holy, their ef- 
forts earnest, and the essential truths of Christianity have 
not been violated. 

Where, then, God withholds not his blessing, man must 
not withhold his charity ; and though union cannot exist 
without the essentials of rehgion, which are — faith in 
Christ, and a conformity to his image, in a renewed heart 
and holy \i^e — if these be secured, the union is not only 
practicable, but a necessary consequence ; for, if we are 
members of Christ, we are members one of another. 
The more we imbibe the genuine spirit of Christianity, 
which is a spirit of love, the more shall we be divested of 
the shackles of party distinction ; and be convinced, that 
the religion which is from above, is a religion, not of names, 
but of principles ; not of forms, but of reahties ; not " the 
letter, which killeth, but the spirit, which giveth hfe." 
•' God is love : and he that dvvelleth in love, dwelleth in 



80 MEMOIRS OF THE 

God, and God in him.''— 1 John iv. 16. *' The spirit 
of Christianity is Christianity. If this be wanting, the 
glory is departed, and nothing remains worth contending 
for." 



CHAPTER VII. 

His talent f 07* extempore preaching — Family letters — Com- 
Tuencement of the editor'' s acquaintance with him — Public 
societies. 

The principles on wliich Mr. Richmond formed his mi- 
nistry, have been laid before the reader in the preceding 
chapter ; in which were detailed the soundness of his views, 
and the impressive manner of his delivery. He never failed 
to attract a crowded congregation, and seldom preached 
without the most decided proofs of a divine power accom- 
panying his ministrations. He also possessed many natural 
endowments, which in no small degree contributed to his 
success. He was an eloquent speaker ; but his eloquence 
was not laboured and artificial — it was the simple and 
glowing expression of a mind deeply impressed with the 
importance of his subject, full of affection, and intent on 
imparting the same feelings to those who heard him. 

He used to refer his friends, who conversed with him on 
the subject of preaching, to the advice of his college tutor : 
<' Don't use terms of science. The people have no ab- 
stract ideas — they cannot understand comparisons and al- 
lusions remote from all their habits. Take words of Saxon 
derivation, and not such as are derived from Latin and 
Greek. Talk of riches, not affluence — of trust, not confi- 
dence. Present the same idea in a varied form, and take 
care you understand the subject yourself. If you be intelli- 
gent, you will be intelligible." 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND, 81 

Mr. Richmond's successful application of these useful 
rules, is well known to all who had opportunity of hearing 
his sermons. Though never oftensively colloquial, he was 
well understood by the most illiterate of his congregation ; 
nor was he satisfied till he had explained an idea in every 
possible variety and point of view. On this account, he 
sometimes seemed to persons unacquainted with his design, 
to employ a needless number of words. It was once plea- 
santly said, by one who heard him — " An excellent sermon, 
but with too many various readings." 

He was also singularly felicitous in imparting interest to 
what, in familiar phraseology, is called a dry subject. He 
was once known to preach an hour and three quarters,*^ 
on the incidental evidence of Christianity. On this oc- 
casion it was said, by a sensible man who heard him — 
*• This is indeed a magnificent sermon ! I always thought 
Mr. Richmond a good man, but I now know him to be a 
great man." 

Mr. Richmond as we have before noticed, possessed a 
fine taste, and an almost enthusiastic admiration of the 
beauties of nature. From these he ofi;en selected illustra- 
tions, and embellished his subject with allusions to them. 
He used to say : " There are three books to be studied — 
the book of creation, the book of providence, and the book 
of grace. They confirm and illustrate each other." 

These natural talents were consecrated to the service of 
religion, and gave an mterest to his preaching, equalled by 
few, and excelled by none. 

The editor would not be supposed, by these remarks, to 
lose sight of the influence of the Holy Spirit, without whom 
-' nothing is strong, nothing is holy." He knows that " the 

* This sermon -was one of a course of lectures on the evidences of 
Christianity, preached at Ohiey, by the neighbouring clergy. Mr, 
Richmond took his plan from the " Horae Paulinse,*"* and applied 
Dr. Paley's principle to every book of Holy Scripture, with great 
ingenuity and success. It i? much to be regretted that nothing re- 
mains of the sermon, except a few short heads of discourse, used by 
Mr. Richmond at the time of preaching. 



82 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Gospel is a mighty engine, but only mighty when God has 
the working of it."* Yet is it most evident, that God is 
pleased to make human agency the natural endowments 
and temperaments as well as the graces of his servants, sub- 
serve his purposes ; and in the selection of instrumepts, 
there is always a peculiar fitness for the work in which he 
employs them. 

The effect of Mr. Richmond's ministry was also consi- 
derably heightened, by the fluency of his addresses. He 
adopted a method of preachmg usually called extempore ; 
without premeditation, as to the words of a sermon, but 
not to the exclusion of much previous prayer, and labour 
in the arrangement of its materials. " It is a singular cir- 
cumstance," observes a friend of his early life, " that his 
first attempt to preach extempore, in the very small church 
of Yaverland, in the Isle of Wight was a total failure. He 
was so ashamed of it, that he declared he w^ould not repeat 
the attempt ; and it was only in consequence of the urgent 
solicitations of our common friend, the Rev. Charles Hoyle, 
that he was induced to make a second trial ; when he suc- 
ceeded beyond his hopes, and never afterward found any 
difficulty." 

As a proof of the eminence to which he afterward at- 
tained, we venture to introduce another anecdote. 

The late Mr. Whitbread went to hear him preach at St. 
Paul's, Bedford, in the year 1807, accompanied by a friend, 
who had expressed an earnest wish to be present. The 
church was remarkably crowded — the preacher animated — 
and the interest of the congregation strongly excited. The 
gentleman above alluded to at length observed : " He has 
now preached with incredible fluency, both as to matter 
and language, for three quarters of an hour, and he does 
not seem even yet to be exhausted, or to be drawing to a 
close." " Exhausted !" replied Mr Whitbread : " he can 
hold on, in the same way, if necessary, for two or three 
hours longer." 

* Adams' Private Thoiio^hts, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 83 

Before we proceed with the narrative, we lay before the 
reader a few letters written about this time by Mr. Rich- 
mond, to his aunt and mother. They are not, indeed, con- 
nected with any previous or subsequent remarks of our 
own ; but are here introduced to preserve the chronology 
of the memoir. They arc pleasing proofs of Mr. Rich- 
mond's affectionate attention to the claims of liis own fa- 
mily, amidst the incessant demands of public duties. 

" Turvey, January 10, 1808. 

" My dear Aunt, 

" Affection for one so long known and loved must in- 
deed be asleep, if I did not hasten to express my tenderest 
concern on your account My office and station calls me 
daily, in one place or another, to pour the balm of consola- 
tion into the wounded breast. I cannot, indeed, comfort 
you in person ; but if I may be allowed to speak in my 
Lord and Saviour's name, I may often do so by letter. 
Indeed, my dearest aunt, I shall be happy in any endeavour 
I can exert, to prove to you how affectionately I am inter- 
ested in what regards your welfare, both spiritual and tem- 
poral I am daily exercised among the sick, the weak, the 
maimed, the suffering and the departing ; and am constantly 
reminded of the uncertainty of life, even from one day to 
another. What a glorious light has the word of God thrown 
on the otherwise dark and gloomy uncertainty which would 
have overhung the prospect of eternity ! How full, how 
free a provision has our gracious God revealed for the sal- 
vation of sinners who lay hold on his promises by faith ! 
May you and I be enabled, under every trial and pang of 
soul or body, to flee to the strong One for help, remember- 
ing that in all our afflictions he was afflicted. 

" May the recollection of every past instance of God's 
kindness lead you to trust in him, and repose on his re- 
deeming grace and love. May your prayer be constantly 
heard and answered, when at the throne of grace you plead 
what a Saviour has done and suffered for you, and suppli- 
cate for a heart thankftilly resigned to God, let what will be 



84 MEMOIRS OF THE 

his pleasure concerning you. I feel persuaded you will 
ascribe what I have said to a sincere affection, and a desire 
to contribute my mite of consolation under the trial which 
Providence has brought upon you. May you meet it with 
the true spirit of Christian fortitude I Sanctified afflictions 
are the Lord's peculiar mercies to those whom he loves. 
May your's prove one of this kind 1 Frequent meditation 
on the great change to which we are all daily liable ; to 
which the youngest are rapidly hastemng — is highly profita- 
ble to the soul, and begets a watchfulness and preparedness 
of mind for every event and circumstance. Seasons of 
sickness and debility are pecuharly calculated to this end. 
They are often expressly sent, that as in the day of health 
and prosperity we are too prone to forget the Author and 
Giver of all our blessings, these messengers of mercy may 
be the means, in his Almighty hands, of collecting our wan- 
dering thoughts and aflfections, and of fixing them abidingly 
on him. Receive these reflections from one who loves 
you, who wishes never to forget that he is a minister of 
Christ, and always 

" Your affectionate nephew, 

*« Legh Richmond.'' 

'« Turvey, January 29, 1808. 
'^ My dearest Mother, 

<• The return of this day* reminds me of life, death, 
and eternity ; it reminds me of times past, and anticipates 
times to come ; it reminds me of my dear mother also, and 
of the many affectionate sensations which the successive 
anniversaries of my birth have from year to year given her, 
arising from the mingled hope of good and fear of evil. 
Sometimes you have written to me on this day ; but lest a 
letter should not be penned between us, I take up the quill 
to write to you. Accept my kind, tender, and dutiful as- 
surances of filial love and veneration, and ten thousand 
thanks for all your cares and prayers on my account, for 

* His birth-day. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 85 

six-and-thirty years ; nor let it ever be thought that I am 
insensible to what I owe you. Happy shall I feel if ena- 
bled and permitted to contribute to the ease and consola- 
tion of your declining years, and to mitigate the infirmities 
of old age, by the duly applied exertions of younger years ! 
It seems but a little while since I was a boy myself, return- 
ing home from season to season, to enjoy the blessing and 
comfort of parental and sisterly society and affection at 
your home : and now I see myself surrounded by my hoys 
and girls at my own home, growing apace, and preparing 
to occupy the station in the world, which we now fill up* 
It is an old and worn out remark, ' how time flies !' Yet 
we cannot help all making it in our turn ; we feel its force; 
and out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 
One cannot help sometimes ejaculating with good old David, 
* O, spare me a little, that 1 may recover my strength, be- 
fore I go hence and be no more seen !' What a scene doe>- 
eternity present ! — the years of life past — earthly connex- 
ions dissolved — the -secrets of all hearts laid open — souls 
saved or lost — Christ, a frowning judge, or a welcome sa- 
viour — all mistakes and errors in religion at an end — every 
false foundation undermined — a world in flames and con- 
sumed, as though it had never been — time itself no more — 
eternal ages of ages rolling on in ceaseless bliss or wo 1 
Who is sufficient even to speak on these things ? 

" Pray for me, that since the Lord has spared me another 
year, I may not prove such a barren fig-tree as heretofore. 
[ could look at all that is past, and view myself as no better 
than a cumberer of the ground. But the gracious Vine- 
dresser intercedes, and his prayer is full of love and mercy : 
may the Owner of the vineyard hear, and answer it. ) 
have been very unwelL but am now much better : the poor 
fig-tree is not yet cut down. May it bear fruit to the glor}? 
of the Father. Accept our love, and give it to those around 
you ; and believe me, 

•* Your affectionate son, 

«< Legh Rtchmojnd." 
9 



86 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" Turvey, March 25th, 1809, 
" My clearest Mother, 

" I do indeed most sincerely rejoice at your recovery 
from so severe an attack of your complaint, as that which 
you describe. May a gracious God protect you under the 
shadow of his wing, and spare your valuable health, for all 
our sakes ; may you daily enjoy more of a sense of the di- 
vine presence, as you advance in your pilgrimage ; may you 
sometimes be favoured, from the top of the mount of Pisgah, 
with a cheerful prospect of Cana n ; and always be sup- 
ported by the trust that He who hath begun the good work 
in you, will perfect it m his own time. Your occasional 
doubts and fears, arise from too much considering faith and 
repentance as the grounds, rather than the evidences of sal- 
vation. The truth is, that a weak faith makes the soul as 
secure, though not so happy, as a strong one : and an im- 
perfect repentance, as we deem it, may be sincere, and 
therefore a work of grace. Our salvation is not, because 
we do so well, but because * He whom we trust, hath done 
all things w^ell.' The believing sinner is never more happy 
nor secure, than when, at the same moment, he beholds 
and feels his own vileness, and also his Saviour's excel- 
lence. 

I the chief of sinners am, 
But Jesus died for me ; 

is the burthen of his song. You look at yourself too 
much, and at the infinite price paid for you too little. 
For conviction, it is true, you must look to your own heart : 
but, for comfort, at your own Saviour. Thus the wounded 
Israelites were to look only at the brazen serpent, for re- 
covery. The graces of the spirit, such as love, patience, 
goodness, faith, &c., are good things for others to judge 
us by ; but it is Christianity, as received, believed in, rested 
upon, loved, and followed, that will speak peace to our- 
selves. By looking unto Him, we shall grow holy ; and. 
tiie more holy we grow, the more we shall mourn over sin, 
and be sensible how very short we come of what we yet ' 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 87 

desire to be. None are so holy as those who mourn that 
they are not more so. While our sanctification is a gra- 
dual and still imperfect work, our justification is perfect 
and complete : the former is wrought in us, the latter for 
us. Rely, simply, as a worthless sinner, on the Saviour, 
and the latter is all your own, with its accompanying bles- 
sings of pardon, acceptance, adoption, and the non-impu- 
tation of sin to your charge. Hence will flow thankful 
obedience, devotedness of heart, patience in tribulation, 
and quiet waiting for the glory of God. Thus, salvation 
is by faith alone ; and thus, saving faith works by love. 
Embrace these principles freely, fully, and impartially, and 
you will enjoy a truly scriptural peace, assurance, and 
comfort. 

" You would hear from my dear wife, something of my 
intended proceedings, during the ensuing month of May. 
She has, of course, told you, that T am to preach the an- 
nual missionary sermon> in London, on Whit-Tuesday. 
Mr. Robinson, of Leicester, preached last year. 

" I hope will succeed in procuring an eligible 

residence. How I wish they might fix near a truly pious 
and devoted clergyman. The importance of this circum- 
stance should never be forgotten in the choice of a resi- 
dence, and is of far greater importance than many are dis- 
posed to consider it.* 

* How many, who have a good support for their families, for 
mere purposes of worldly gain, remove to sections of the country, 
where the regular ordinances of religion are not found, and where 
schools and religious institutions are unknown Thus their chil- 
dren grow up in ignorance and sin, and become a cur^e to them- 
selves and society. How cheaply do such parents sacrifice the in- 
terests of the soul and eternity, for the riches of earth. We would 
not discourage emigration, hut we would invoke every parent, not 
to choose his residence beyond appointed means of grace. It has 
pleased God, by the foolishness of preaching, to save them that 
believe. 

We would suggest the propriety of colonies of a dozen or more 
pious families going forth to the more destitute parts, carrying with 
them all the religious institutions of the day. New settlements 



88 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" May God bless, protect, and preserve you to bis own 

kingdom. Love to Mr. and Mrs. H , from all here* 

and from 

^' Your affectionate son, 

<« Legh Richmond." 

It was towards the close of the year 1808 that the wri- 
ter of this memoir first became acquainted with Mr Ricli- 
mond ; and, as the circumstances connected with the oc- 
currence were of a nature that led to a very confidential 
intercourse, terminating only with the decease of his re- 
vered and much-beloved friend, he trusts he shall be ex- 
cused for briefly adverting to the subject. Soon after his 
entrance into the ministry, the serious charge first attracted 
his attention, that the Gospel was not generally preached 
with fidelity and correctness, by the clergy. As this accu- 
sation was circulated in the neighbourhood where he then 
Hved, and he was included in the supposed number of the 
delinquents, it awakened serious reflections in his mind. 
Having adopted the profession of the Church under a 
strong predilection far its duties, he was disposed, in the 
first instance, to repel this insinuation, with a deep sense 
of injrred feehng, not wholly unmingled wnth indignation ; 
and to attribute it to the prevalence of dissent, in that 
particular vicinity. But the question immediately sug- 
gested itself — Why was there a prevalence of dissent; and 
did not this Jact\ of itself constitute a grave and momentous 
charge, affecting the character and credit of the deny ? 
The fact, of the poor usually forming the larger propor- 
tion of the seceders, contributed, in no small degree, to 
rouse his conscience, and to call for deliberate and solemn 
inquiry. 

At that period, the religious views of the writer, in com- 
mon with those of many others, were of the following na- 
ture, viz. — that we were to fulfil every appointed duty 

thus formedi, might not need afterward to be evangelized^ but 
would themselves exert a salutary influence on present and future 
generations. — Am. Ed. 



REV. LEGH itlCHIklOND. 89 

to the best of our ability, and that all deficiences would be 
supplied by the merits of the Redeemer : thus making the 
sinner's salvation, principally, the effect of his own merits, 
and considering those of the Saviour merely as supple- 
mentary to them The corruption and entire alienation 
of the human heart from God, the necessity of the renew- 
ing influences of the Holy Spirit, and the manner of their 
operation, were very inadequately understood by him ; and 
consequently, very obscurely stated from the pulpit : and 
yet he was diligent in his parochial duties, zealous as a 
preacher of righteousness, and aimed at holiness in his life, 
w^ithout ever being able to attain what he so earnestly de- 
sired. After various attempts to satisfy his conscience, 
the suggestion gradually presented itself, that it was possi- 
ble he might hold erroneous views, however unconscious 
of their nature and extent ; and the awful words of the 
apostle, " Wo unto me if I preach not the Gospel," be- 
gan to fill his mind with trouble and dismay. Not to 
dwell on a series of minor circumstances, the idea which 
was first admitted as a possibility, assumed the character 
of probability ; and, for a period of two years, his mind 
was kept in a state of painful conflict ; during which, 
many a prayer was offered up to the Father of lights and to 
the God of all mercy : and the promise unceasingly plead- 
ed — " If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that 
giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not ; and it 
shall be given him." — James i. 6. 

At the expiration of this time, a dying friend sent him 
Romaine's twelve Discourses on the law and the Gospel ; 
earnestly expressing a hope, that the perusal of them might 
be as useful to him as she had found it to be to herself! It; 
was to this book that the writer owed the solution of all his 
difficulties, and the first clear and spiritual conviction of 
the mode of a sinner's acceptance before God ; from it he 
discovered that the law can never save, either in whole or 
in part, — that its office is rather to condemn, " as the kill- 
ing letter," and ** the ministration unto death," because it 
requires that perfect and unsinning obedience, which nf^ 



90 MEMOIRS OF THE 

man can perform ; and in the absence of such obedience^ 
pronounces the awful sentence, — ** Cursed is every one 
that continueth not in all things which are written in the 
book of the law to do them'' — Gal. iii. 10. Thus the 
law becomes " a schoolmaster, to lead us to Christ," — 
that the condenmed and guilty sinner may see the grace 
and glory of that redemption which is revealed in the Gos- 
pel ; and disclaiming all self-de )endence, may seek and find 
acceptance from the unmerited mercy of God in Christ 
Jesus. The work entitled *' the Fathers of the English 
Church," of which an account has already been given, was, 
at the same time, just published in numbers ; and, from 
a conviction that none were likely to be better guides, 
in the right interpretation of the doctrine? of the Church of 
England, the writer began to read thern with great interest. 
Shortly afterward, he was removed to his present residence, 
at Biddenham, but not before he bad been permitted to 
see some very decided fruits from his change of views, and 
from a more scriptural style of preaching. The parish of 
Biddenham not being further distant from Turvey than six 
miles, he frequently heard of Mr. Richmond's character 
and proceedings ; and having expressed a strong desire to 
cultivate his acquamtance, this wish w^as shortly after gra- 
tified. 

As he was one morning engaged in reading the '* Fa- 
thers," the name of Mr. Richmond was announced, and 
he immediately entered the room. After a few general re- 
marks, " What is the book, sir," he asked, " that you are 
reading ?" " The ' Fathers of the English Church,' " I 
replied. '' What is the nature of the work, and your 
opinion of its merits ?" I observed, that I had been led by 
a train of circumstances to examine very minutely into the 
real purport and character of the doctrines of our church, 
from a conviction that a great diversity of opinion pre- 
vailed on the subject ; and that, instead of being directed 
by any modern guide, it appeared to me to be the duty of 
a conscientious minister, to trace doctrine to the fountain- 
kead. That a work had lately been published, professing 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 91 

to contain copious extracts from the writings of the Re- 
formers which I considered to be a niost invaluable per- 
formance ; that I was deriving much benefit and edification 
from it ; and that if it were read by the clergy generally, 
I thought it would be attended with very important con- 
sequences. Seeing a smile upon his countenance, 1 ob- 
served, " Why do you smile, Sir ?" •' It is owing," he 
replied^ " to the singularity of our conversation ; and you 
yourself will, perhaps, smile, and be surprised, when I in- 
form you that the editor of the work, in the praise of which 
you are so earnest, is now before you.*' " You the author 
of this work ?" I said. " Yes " he replied, " I am the 
compiler." He then related the facts that have already 
been recorded, as to the manner in which he first became 
possessed of the writings of the Reformers. The interest 
excited in my mind by this communication, and by the 
whole of the interview, awakened a strong wish to culti- 
vate a nearer intercourse with so valuable a character ; and 
the foundation was soon laid, of an intimacy which the ex- 
perience of every year increased and strengthened — the 
harmony of which was never interrupted for a day, an 
hour, or a moment ; and which Vv^as the source of increas- 
ing profit, comfort, and happiness, to its lamented close. 
Little did I think, when this first interview occurred with 
my estimable friend, that we were afterward to be fre- 
quent companions in many a labour of love — in many a 
public cause ; and to share, with mutual sympathy, in the 
various events that have occurred since that period ; — that 
I then saw before me the man with whom I was to be 
leagued in the closest bonds of intimacy, — that I should 
christen his children, marry his daughter, and bury two of 
his sons ; and, finally, that it would be my mournful duty, 
amidst the tears of his bereaved family and sorrowing pa- 
rishioners, to perform the last sad office for himself! 

Shortly after the above interview, Mr. Richmond was 
requested to preach at Biddenham. It was the first time 
that 1 had ever heard a minister of his sentiments. The 
cleavnes?j the ability, and the impressive manner in wliich 



92 MEMOIRS OP THE 

he unfolded the great truths of the Gospel — the earnest and 
affectionate appeals that he made to the conscience^ the 
skill with which he discriminated the different classes of his 
hearers, the astonishing fluency of his utterance, and the 
earnestness both of the preacher and the congregation, 
awakened m me a train of solemn reflections, and especially 
on the value of public preaching, when conducted on such 
principles and accompanied with such holy and devout af- 
fections. An intense interest and heavenly fervour seemed 
to be depicted in every countenance, and to be felt in every 
heart. I shared in the same emotions, but they were ac- 
companied by a great depression of feeling, and a convic- 
tion that I was wholly unworthy to enter the same pulpit ; 
nor shall \ ever forget the seasonable remark of a pious old 
man, on the following morning, w^ho, in dwelling on the ex- 
cellencies of the preceding day's discourse, observed — 
-' The grace that God has given to him, he can give both 
to you and me : for God is no respecter of persons." 

The writer being called away for a short time, by some 
family circumstances, Mr. Richmond undertook to assist 
him, and supply the duty at Biddenham and at the adjoin- 
ing parish of Stagsdon. It was durmg this interval that he 
received from him the two following letters. 

'' Tiirvey, February Stk^ 1809. 
^ My dear Friend, 

" I sincerely pray that you may be restored to your 
parishes in that happy frame which may, under a divine 
blessing, render you to them, and them to you, a mutual 
comfort. A general interest and inquiry is excited in.yotir 
whole vicinity, to hear you, and the word of God from your 
lips. May you be directed and enabled, by the Searcher 
of all hearts, to preach Jesus Christ freely, fully, and effec- 
tually, both to unconverted and converted sinners. Do not 
shun to declare the whole counsel of God. Keep in mind 
that excellent rule I mentioned the other morning : ' never 
preach a single sermon, from which an unenlightened 
bearer might not learn the plan of salvation, even thougk 



REV. LEGH RICHMOMD. 93 

iie never afterward heard another discourse.' Sin and 
salvation are the two grand subjects of our preaching ; and 
they ought to be brought forward unceasingly, both doc- 
trinallyrpractically, and, above all, exijerimentally. Preach 
from the heart, and it will always reach the heart. I al- 
ways find that when I speak from the inward feelings of my 
own heart, with respect to the workings of inbred corrup- 
tion, earnest desire after salvation, a sense of my own 
nothingness, and my Saviour's fulness, the people hear, feel, 
are edified, and strengthened Whei:eas, if I descend to 
mere formal or cold explanation of particulars which do 
not aflfect the great question—' What must 1 do to be saved V 
my hearers and I grow languid and dull together, and no 
good is done 

*' Many of ou^ hearers have been accustomed to attend 
at various descriptions of meeting-houses. The general 
character of meeting-house piety is simple, earnest, scrip- 
tural, plain, and interesting, — the awful condition of a sin- 
nei, in his natural state, and the consolations and promises 
of a Saviour, are dwelt upon throughout their prayers and 
discourses. Thus far all is good ; and we must do the 
same, if we would retain or regain our congregations. 
Thus the fathers of the English church preached to our' 
elders and predecessors, — thus preached Romaine, Walker, 
Venn, Berridge, Milner, Newton, &:.c ; and thus souls 
were saved, and the church of England /owmAed, and was 
built up under their ministry. May you and 'I do so like- 
wise, and daily see the fruit of our labours, in the growth 
of our people m divine knowledge. 

" You see, I speak to you with the freedom of a brother ; 
you have given me liberty so tf » do. I esteem you highly 
for it, and thank you for the confidence you repose in me ; 
I only desire to use it to the glory of God. and the good of- 
souls. Having some little experience in the ministry, and 
knowing a good deal of the character and circumstances of 
the people, both religious and irreligious, in this neighbour- 
hood, I may sometimes have it in my power to suggest 
hints, and communicate information, that may be useful 



94 MEMOIRS OF THE 

and satisfactory to you. But above all, pray fervently to 
God for a blessing on yourself, your preachingf, your peo- 
ple, on the church of God, and last, though not least, on 
<* Your unworthy friend and brother 

*^ Legh Richmond.'- 

" Turvey, Feb. 20, 1809. 
** My dear Friend and Brother, 

" I promised you an account of my proceedings with 
respect to your pari^es, and now sit down to fulfil that pro- 
mise. My friend who engaged to assist me, having been 
prevented from coming here, I was under the necessity of 
fixing a later hour for the services at Biddenham, but it was 
perfectly agreeable to your people, and to many even more 
agreeable than if I had served your church at the usual 
time. 

'< Your churches have been overflowing as to the num- 
ber of hearers, ana I trust God will bless the work among 
them ; I preached for you also at Biddenham, on the fast- 
day — I had every reason to be highly satisfied with the ge- 
neral appearance of things, during the three weeks I preach- 
ed at Biddenham. Our only Christian friends, the B's, 
did every thing possible to promote my comforts, and the 
general good of our holy cause. At two o'clock in the 
afternoon of the 1 2th ultimo, I an-ived for the first time at 
Stagsden ; the whole school were assembled in the church , 
and a fine congregation. I preached a sermon on the 
opening of the school. When the service was over, I de- 
sired the children and their relations to come into the chan- 
cel, where I gave them a familiar address by way of en- 
couragement, and spoke to them individually on their re- 
spective duties. 1 yesterday went to Stagsden again, later 
• in the afternoon, being unable to get there so early as I 
wished, and found a noble congregation indeed After 
service I inspected the school, and made a few regulations 
for order and decency, to await your approbation. I have 
been very desirous that the first impressions on the minds of 
the scholars, and that of the parish at large, should he^ 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 95 

that it is a religious as well as a literary institution ; and I 
think I have succeeded. I visited, this morning, two dying 
parishioners of Stagsden, one at North-end, and the other at 
Bury-end. Both alas ! with little light. I have said and 
done every thing I could among the people to pave the way, 
as I trust, for your comfortable labours among them. I 
shall hope to see you as soon as you return, and t shall be 
glad to enter into full detail of several little particulars, 
which may be for your satisfaction, and that of the parishes. 
One day at Biddenham, I conversed individually with seve- 
ral of your parishicmers and was happy to find that some 
young persons have been seriously impressed under your 
ministry Some persons also spoke to me, and desired to 

be kindly remembered, particularly one named , I 

propose going next week to see your Biddenham flock once 
more before your return. 

" Havmg given you some account of your parochial 
transactions, allow me to express my earnest wishes for 
your spiritual prosperity, b th as it concerns your own 
inward experience and outward ministry, I feel persuaded, 
that you will every day increasingly discover your infinite 
obligation to our common Lord and Saviour, who had led 
you by his grace to discern between good and evil, truth 
and error, salvation by works, and salvation by grace 
through faith, alone. I cannot help feeling an affectionate 
and brotherly concern and regard towards you, from having 
so exactly trod over a similar ground. 1 have known the 
difficulty of giving up all for Christ — of ceasing to do and 
speak as the world around me did,— I have felt the necessi- 
ty of denying myself— taking up the cross, and following 
our Lord. I offer up my prayers, that your mind may be 
strengthened unto the clearest views of every essential 
truth, and unto firm resolutions to walk in the good old way 
of our forefathers. 

" God appears to have prepared you a people for your 
labours, and they are anxiously awaiting your arrival. May 
the Lord give you manv of them as souls for vour hire ! 



96 MEMOIRS OF THE " 

" Allow me, with all the confidence and anxiety which 
friendship, and a desire to serve the interest of our great 
cause inspire, to give it as my decided advice, (founded on 
observation, and the state of feeling and habit among reli- 
gious people in general,) that you study even the prejudices 
of those among whom you may labour against all worldly 
conformity, that might injure the weight and influence of 
your ministry. Public, and some private amusements, are 
viewed with peculiar dislike and disapprobation by good 
people in general . Those w^ho have not been accustomed 
to converse intimately with that most respectable part of the 
community, the middle and lower ranks of religious per- 
sons, would hardly conceive how strong their feelings are 
upon those points which others often view as trivial. I 
merely mention these things, because I have myself found 
the necessity of attending to them, far beyond what I at 
first supposed. I feel a deep interest for your happiness? 
and the success of your ministry. I view it as a matter of 
providential mercy, that you are thrown into this new situa- 
tion, and trust great good will arise from it to you, and to 
the people. 

" I am much obliged by the friendly confidence with 
which you have treated me, and pray God that our inter- 
course may be truly blest. 

'* I ought to apologize for so long a letter, but I have 
been insensibly led to be prolix. I shall preach, and visit 
the new Sunday school at Stagsden on Sunday next, and 
shall pay one more visit to your people at Biddenham, in 
the middle of next week ; at the end of which I hope God 
will restore you in safety to ' your work and your reward.' 
May the free, sovereign, unmerited, and effectual grace of 
God, give you all spiritual blessings in heavenly places 
with Christ Jesus. I commend you to his high and holy 
keeping, and desire you to be assured with how great sin- 
cerity I am 

*' Your unworthy fellow labourer, 

" Legh Richmond.* 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 97 

The writer of this memoir cannot help here observing, 
how much he recognised the hand of providence in leading 
him to a neighbourhood, which abounds with so many pri- 
vileges of a religious nature, and where he found so experi- 
enced and useful a guide as Mr. Richmond. In his former 
residence, with the exception of an endeared friend, the 
want of these advantages was highly injurious to his pro- 
gress in the knowledge of religion, in this way we disco- 
ver the goodness and wisdom of providence in the various 
circumstances and- events of our lives, in appointing the 
bounds of our habitation, and placing us when and where 
his Almighty wisdom and love sees to be most suited to the 
purposes of his own grace, and our welfare. 

It was about this period, in the year 1809, that those in- 
stitutions, whose subsequent career is so well known, sud- 
denly emerged from a state of comparative obscurity, and 
by a kind of simultaneous movement engrossed the popu- 
lar favour and sanction, from one extremity of the kingdom 
to the other. Men were at length roused from their apathy, 
and seized with avidity the opportunity now presented of 
redeeming the guilt of past neglect. On the other hand, 
fedings of disapprobation, or of more avowed opposition, 
were manifested in certain qucirters, and ministers of the 
established church were subjected to much misrepresenta- 
tion and censure, on account of their attachment to these 
societies.* 

It was maintained, and no doubt with all the sincerity of 

* It is proper to remark, that the compiler of the memoir, had 
introduced in this place, some remarks upon the state of society at 
the time v/hen the British and Foreign Bible — the Church Mission- 
ary Society, and the society for promoting Christianity among the 
Jews, were formed, as a vindication of Mr. Richmond for the very 
active part which he took in their establishment and enlargement. 
He also stated, and refuted at large, the objections urged against 
the course pursued by Mr. Richmond in serving these societies as 
an agent. This discussion is omitted on account of its local nature, 
and from the conviction, ihat no good would follow from perpetua- 
ting objections no longer felt, at least in this country. Am. Ed. 

10 



98 MEMOIRS OF THE 

conviction, that the circulation of the bible alone, unaccom- 
panied by the prayer book, the proper and authorized sym- 
bol of the established church, must ultimately prove fatal 
to that church ; and yet, if the prayer book be in accord- 
ance with the bible, as all the members of the established 
church believe and avow- does it not seem at variance with 
the allowed connexion of cause and effect, to suppose 
that a principle, in its tendency and design, can be subver- 
sive of that with which it is identified ; or that the bible, 
which propagates nothmg but truth, and therefore is oppo- 
sed to nothing but error, can possibly lead to such a con- 
sequence ? It would certainly have been a strange ano- 
maly in morals, as well as in philosophy, for the future his- 
torian to have recorded, that in the sixteenth century, the 
Church of England was first erected on the foundation of 
the bible, and of the bible alone ; and yet, in the nineteenth 
century < that it was undermined, and finally overthrown by 
the same instrumentality : thus exhibiting the extraordina- 
ry spectacle of a church, subverted by the same cause to 
w^hich it owed its establishment. The truth is, the Church 
of England will increase in stability and prosperity, in pro- 
portion to its adherence to the bible. It has only to fear 
*' the worm at the root," the decay of sound and scriptural 
principles among its rulers and members. 

The unpromising state of public feeling, prior to the 
establishment of these societies, has already been adverted 
to. The change subsequently produced, is obvious to all. 
We may hence learn an important lesson : — a nation, 
comparatively speaking, may be sunk .in religious apathy ; 
the zeal and piety of churches may lie dormant, and the 
prospect may appear dark and lowering. But amidst 
general declensions, some characters are always preserved 
by the power and grace of God from the contaminating 
effects of the surrounding lukewannness ; and it is to their 
efforts that we must look, at such times, for tiie needed 
revival. If it be asked, how are those efforts to be em- 
ployed ? We answer, strike the rock at the divine com- 
mand, and never doubt but that a plentiful stream will 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 99 

follow. Means must be used in dependence upon a divine 
power : the minds of men must be excited. They have 
intelligence, affection, conscience, and capacities of action. 
These properties may grow torpid, yet not be extinguished ; 
they require to be called into action. Let us deal, then, 
with men as moral agents. Let us address to the under- 
standing, arguments calculated to inform and convince — 
to the heart, what is likely to win and engage — and to the 
conscience, what is best suited to rouse it from its state of 
torpor Let us apply the exciting principle, and be un- 
wearied in invoking the divine blessing, which can alone 
crown our efforts with success, and God will open rivers 
in high plares, and fountains in the midst of the valleys ; 
he will make the tDilderness a pool of water, and the dry 
land springs of xvater — Isa, xli 18. 

Let churches and states, legislators and prelates, minis- 
ters of the sanctuary and individuals in their respective 
families, adopt this f)rinciple ; and communities will pros- 
per, churches will revive, and the domestic altar will never 
want a sacrifice, nor Gud withhold a l)les5ing. 

And yet it is this very prineiple of excitement, as ap- 
plied to the religious institutions of the day, which has 
been most strongly eensured The system of public 
meetings, the addresses sermons, biblical and missionary 
tours have been the subject of severe reprehension with 
the opponents of these societies. But it is this very sys- 
tem which has ehcited the moral energies of the country, 
which has given one simultaneous and unparalleled im- 
pulse to all its public institutions — which, by its direct or 
indirect tendency, has localized among us every form of 
charity that can afford an asylum to distress : — to crime, 
the means of reformation — to i riorance, the benefit of in- 
struction ; — and to penitent ^uiit, the hope of mercy and 
salvation. It is to the publicity of these societies, next to 
their intrinsic value and importance, tliat we are to ascribe 
so large a portion of their popularity and success If 
they were less public, they would be less known ; if they 
^^ere less known, they would be less supported ; and if 



[00 MEMOIRS OF THE 

they were less supported, their efficiency would be pro- 
portionably impaired. An institution, to be popular, must 
be 'brought in contact with public opinion. The men w^l)o 
conduct it 7nust be seen, heard, knouyn, loved, and respected; 
the subject ot^ it must be carried home to the heart, and 
descend through all the various gradations m society ; be 
as accessible to the poor as to the rich — to the unlearned, 
as to the learned — to the humblest cottage, as well as to 
the lordly mansion. It will thus secure the patronage and 
liberality of the wealthy, the approbation of the wise, and 
the benediction of the poor. These advantages have 
pre-eminently distinguished the institutions of which we 
are speaking ; and, so long as the principle of publicily 
characterizes almost every undertaking of a secular nature, 
why are religious objects alone to be debarred from the 
benefit of this principle, where the application of strong 
stimulants is the more necessary, in proportion as the end 
proposed is more momentous, and men less disposed to 
appreciate its importance ? 

The real and only question for consideration is, whether 
public societies can be effectively carried on without the 
agency of public advocates ? The result of experience is^ 
that societies, depending only on local means for their 
support, are in the most declining state. Men, too, who 
are in the habit of contributing their money to a public 
cause, think, and with justice, that they are entitled, in 
return, to a detail of its operations from those who, by 
their connexion with the parent institution, and from the 
sources to which they have access, are best qualilied to 
communicate information. Admitting, then, the justness 
of this remark — from what class are public advocates to 
be selected ? From among kymen or ministers ? The 
professional habits, experience, and education of the latter, 
evidently constitute them the fittest organs of communica- 
tion to all religious institutions. How to reconcile these 
public exertions with parochial duties, is, therefore, the 
only remaining consideration. Let it be observed, that 
every clergyman is legally entitled to an absence of three 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND* 101 

months in every year, on the presumption, that he will pro- 
vide a proper substitute * If, then, a minister, uncon- 
nected with public objects should choose to avail himself 
of this privilege, for the purpose of allowable recreation, 
or from any other motive, would his conduct be considered 
us affording any reasonable ground for reproach ? Why, 
then, should another minister, in the exercise of the same 
privilege, and using the same precautions, be the subject 
of animadversion, because, instead of appjopriating the 
allotted period to a watering-place, or to any other object, 
his principles and conscience lead him to devote his time 
to the more importafit claims of a religious institution ? 

Each itinerates; each is occasionally absent from his 
parish — with this distmctitm, that one is occupied with 
engagements, most interesting to himself; the other con- 
secrates his time, his talents, and his strength, to the ser- 
vice of the cause of God ; and leaves for a while, the 
limited, though important, scene of his own j)arish, to aid 
in the dissemination of light and knowledge to the remo- 
test regions of the earth. 

In the navy, no means existed for distributing the book 
of common prayer among that valuable body of men, 
who risk their lives for the defence of their country. The 
society was formed to supply this deficiency. But, inde- 
pendently of this call for its exertions, we would ask, were 
not prayer books generally published and circulated at 
that time, without the insertion of the articles of our 
Church — those articles which are the appointed standard 
of her doctrine, the guide to her worshippers, and the in- 
tended security against all declensions and corruptions in 
her faith ? As a consequence of this omission, were not 
a large portion of her members utterly unacquainted with 
the very existence of those articles — and was not a refe- 
rence to them, in the pulpit, a matter of rare occurrence ? 

* This has reference to ministers of the established church. 

Am. Ed. 
10^ 



t02 MEMOIRS OF THE 

We would also ask, whether a single copy of the book of 
homilies was to be obtained through the medium of any ex- 
isting society in the Church of England ? And yet, were 
not these very homilies set forth by authority, originally 
appointed to be read in churches by the ministers, dili- 
gently and distinctly ? and are they not recognized in the • 
articles, to which every minister declares his solemn as- 
sent, as ** containing a godly and wholesome doctrine ?*' 
When, therefore, these necessary bulwarks of our Church, 
the articles which record her faith, and the homihes 
which illustrate and enforce it, w^ere thus almost inacces- 
sible, we would demand of every impartial and reflecting 
mind, whether there w^as no just ground of apprehension, 
that the purity of Christian doctrine might be ultimately 
corrupted ?— whether the general tone of preaching in 
our pulpits at that time, and before that time, did not in 
many respects, justify that apprehension ? — and whether 
doctrine was not treated as an inconsiderable part of 
Christianity, and practical duties held up as the sum and: 
substance of all true religion ? 



REV. LEGH RICHMO^'D. lOS 



CHAPTER VIIL 

Review of his Anniversary Sermon for the Church Mis- 
sionary Society — Meeting at Bedford, in behalf of the 
Jews — Bedfordshire Bible Society^ — Tours fcyr the Jew- 
ish and Church Missionary Societies—- Extracts from 
his journal. 

We have before alluded to the anniversary sermon, 
])reached by Mr. Richmond, for the Church Missionary 
Society, in May, 1809. It is much to be lamented, that 
one so capable of contributing to the stock of valuable 
theological literature, should have composed only three 
sermons for the press : two of them published during his 
residence in the Isle of Wight, and the third, which we 
iiov/ propose to review, after his removal to Turvey. This 
deficiency of printed discourses, is the frequent conse- 
quence of extempore preaching ; and ministers of ac- 
knowledged talents and usefulness, would do well to re- 
member, that they owe to the Church some more lasting 
memorials of their pastoral labours, and of theii* zeal for 
the general interests of religion. 

Mr. Richmond has received many an urgent represen- 
tation from the writer, on this subject : but his unceasing 
engagements, his extensive correspondence, and the more 
immediate claims of duty, were always pleaded in excuse. 
An examination of the missionary sermon will enable the 
reader to form some judgment of Mr. Richmond's powers 
of composition, as well as afford an illustration of his sen- 
timents on the important subject of missions. 

His text is taken from John xxi. 16. — " He saith unto 
him again, the second time, < Simon, son of Jonas, lovest 
thou me V He saith unto him, < Yea, Lord^ thou knowest- 



104 MEMOIRS OF THE 

that I love thee/ He saith unto him. * Feed my sheep.' " 
Commenting on these words, he considers — 

1st. The nature and design of the commission given by 
our Lord to Peter. 

2d. The appUcation of the commandment to feed the 
sheep of Christ, as it respects the heathen nations, and our 
own exertions, in order to their conversion. 

Under the first head, he briefly describes the pecuhar in- 
terest and solemnity of the occasion ; — the question propo- 
sed : *< Lovest thou me ?•' The answer given : " Yea, 
Lord, thou knowest that I love thee " The successive re- 
petition of the question, and Peter's asseveration, < Lord, 
though knowest all things, though knowest that I love 
thee ;" and the final command of the Saviour, obedience 
to which is the test of the siLcerity of the profession : 
-' Feed my sheep." The motive of love to Christ is dedu- 
ced as the only adequate and scriptural stimulus to mission- 
ary exertion ; and the commandment given, to feed his 
flock, declares the nature and object of the duty required. 
The application of the whole to ourselves, is inferred from 
the commission given to Peter and the^apostles, as the re- 
presentatives of the church universal to the end of time-; 
and from the fact, that general exhortations, accompanied 
by, and founded upon, Christ's general promises to his 
church, admit of no limitation, either of time or placo. 
Under his second head, he inquires — 

Who are the sheep of Christ ? 

Why ought they to be fed ? 

When ? 

By ichom ? 

With icliat food must they be fed, nourished, and support- 
ed ? 

We pass over the first, as obvious in its meaning. To 
the second inquiry, " Why," &c. he replies — '< Because 
the heathen are without Christ — aliens from the common- 
wealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of pro- 
mise : having no hope* and without God in the w^orld/ 



REV. LEGH RICHBIOND. 105 

And, he adds, that our own opportunities of ascertaining 
their present state, fully proved it to be. in all respects, ana- 
logous to their former state, as described by the apostle, 
Rom, i 21. ; although, under specious but very equivocal 
pretensions to candour, some had maintained a contrary 
supposition ; — which he considered to be opposed to the 
honour of God and the testimony of his revealed word. 

Mr. Richmond quotes the welt known and modest lan- 
guage of Bishop Ridley,* as expressive of his own feeN 
ings, in respect of a subject confessedly mysterious : — *' In 
these matters I am so fearful that I dare not S()eak further ; 
yea, almost none otherwise, than the very text doth, as it 
w^ere, lead me by the hand.'' Yet, with respect to the 
state of the heathen, Mr, Richmond observes ; — " I think 
the nature of the covenant of grace is so clearly stated in 
the word of God, and the condition of sinners so plainly 
there described, that it is no presumption to adopt the con- 
clusion of the primitive church, as expressed in the terms 
of our own article — that ' men cannot be saved by the hght 
of nature. For holy Scripture doth set out unto us only 
the name of Jesus Christ, wherebv men must be saved.' " 
—A?^. 18. 

He adds — «' It may with propriety be asked, whether 
any thing short of the absolute demonstration of their 
safety without Christianity, can justify our withholding 
from them the knowledge of the way of salvation by Christ 
Jesus." 

As to ivJien this duty is to be undertaken- he unhesitating- 
ly answers — " Now is the accepted time, — behold now is 
the day of salvation." 

He then recites the following circumstances, to point 
out the present as a season of special hope and promise, 
viz : — - 

The great increase of Gospel light and knowledge among 
us, of late years. 

The revival of the principles of the primitive church, 
and of the reformation. 

* See ' Fathers of the English church,' vol. iv. p. 249. 



106 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Our present freedom from papal tyranny, the experience 
of which prevented the martyrs and confessors of our pro- 
testant faith froin engaging in so holy a cause, leaving the 
duty to be fulfilled by succeeding generations. 

The growing attention to prophecy* as it concerns the 
downfall of the papacy, the restoration of the Jews, 
the conversion of the Gentiles, and the approach of the 
millenium ; all which subjects are intimately connected 
with missionary plans. 

The naval and commercial eminence of this country, and 
the ample facilities enjoyed by it, for the promotion of such 
an undertaking. 

Again, — " Bv whom are the sheep of Christ among the 
ileathen to be fed ?" 
• This duty devolves evidently on the visible churches of 
Christ, which, by their principle and constitution, are mis- 
sionary bodies ; but more especially does this duty rest 
with the Protestant churches^ which, by the actual princi- 
ples they profess, are alike called upon to protest against 
the idolatry of the Heathen tribes, and the idolatry of the 
church of Rome. 

Here he notices the triumphant boast, often uttered by 
the church of Rome, though less applicable to the times in 
which we now live " It has never ceased," says Mura- 
tori, their zealous historian and partizan, "sending into 
*^vers parts of the earth fervent hibourers to plant the 
true faith." ** Let the modern sectaries (the Protestants) 
be considered : this heroic charity will not he found among 
them. They leave the brmgin^; over of idolaters and infi- 
dels to the behef of the Gospel, to the missionaries of the 
Catholic church ; and freely resign to them the inestima- 
ble advantage of being consuined with evangelical labours, 
and exposing their lives to enlarge the kingdom o£ Jesus 
Christ." " Hence," the historian adds, " the church in 
communion with Rome, is the only one that keeps up the 
first spirit of ^'hristianity ; she alone, like the primitive 
church, abounds in apostles and martyrs : hence, she 
alone is the true spouse of the Saviour of mankind.' ' 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 107 

From this reflection of Muratori, Mr. Richmond takes^ 
occasion to call upon Protestant churches to wipe away 
the reproach 

" Let the superior purity of the rehgion which we pro- 
fess, be made manifest m our superior union of the various 
qualifications, which are requisite to adorn and give energy 
to the cause of missions." 

The church of England, in particular, ought to be found 
among the foremost of her Protestant sisters in this glori- 
ous exertion. The purity of her doctrines, and the con- 
formity of her government to the primitive model, &c. 
unite in distinguishing her as highly qualified for this 
mighty conquest over the powers of darkness. 

In answering the inquiry, — " who shall be the mission- 
aries ?" he observes ; " the shepherds whom you set apart 
to this honourable labour of feeding and nourishing souls 
for Christ, must be men who love Christ for the salvation 
which he hath wrought in their own souls ; men, who * feel 
in themselves the working of the Spirit of Christ, mortify- 
ing the works of the flesh, and their earthly members, and 
drawing up their mind to high and heavenly things.' " — 
[Art, 17.) They must be men^ not of warmth and zeal 
alone, but of solidity, patience, and perseverance ; men 
who, like their Lor^, can endure the contradiction of sinners. 
For the most part, it is not so often men of extensive learn- 
ing, of genius, and superior literary talents, who are want- 
ed, as men of simplicity and sincerity ; men of prayer and 
meditation ; men who so love Christ, as to be willing to 
spend and be spent, for his sake ; men of subdued passions 
and mortified minds, who patiently wait for the coming of 
our Lord Jesus Christ. 

In his next important inquiry, — " wherewith they are to 
be fed," the following remarks claim the attention of all 
who are engaged in the cause of missions. 

" Preach Christ, as a free, full, perfect, and all-sufficient 
Saviour to the greatest of sinners. The sheep of Christ, 
whether at home or abroad, will hear and know their own 
good Shepherd's voice, and none other. Proclaim, as 



lUo MEMOIRS OF THE 

from the house-top, ' that God commendeth his love toward- 
us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us ;" 
and thus accomplished that wonder of men and angels, 
• that God might be just, and the justifier of the sinner 
which beheveth in Jesus.' " 

" Preach to them the blood of Christ ; its atoning and 
cleansing power. Send over your missionary shepherds, 
to feed the flock of Christ among the Heathen, with the 
wholesome bread and the pure water of life. We must 
not trifle in this matter. It is the cause of God and truth. 
Mingle therefore nothing with their food ; disguise it not 
with any self-accomodating explanations. It is not the 
equivocal language of a mere fashionable profession of the 
Gospel, that will convey the word and substance of sal- 
vation to the soul of either a nominal Christian, or a real 
Heathen. 

" Let the hemisphere of Hght, which is to burst upon the 
dark mountains where now the heathen sheep are scattered, 
be unsullied and without a cloud. Be ye pastors ac- 
cording to God's heart, and feed them with knowledge 
and understanding, Christ living, Christ obeying, Christ 
dying, Christ risen, Christ ascended, and Christ interceding 
for sinners : this is the true bread of life. " Our com- 
mission to feed his sheep runs thus : ' Go ye and teach 
all nations, baptizing them in the name 'of the Father, and 
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.' " Hence, the love of 
the Father, in giving sinners to Christ ; the love of the 
Son, in dying for their redemption ; and the love of the 
Spirit, in sanctifying and preparing them for glory, are 
the grand themes for Christian meditation. When these 
iiivaluable truths are enforced in a practical and experi- 
mental manner, the sheep of Christ are truly fed, ac- 
cording to their good Shepherd's design and command- 
ment ; and so shall they live and prosper. 

In illustration of the foregoing remarks, he quotes the 
following testimony of Johannes, a converted Heathen, 
and who also became a blessed witness of the truth to his 
own nation. The circumstance is recorded in the history 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 109 

of the missions of the United Brethren among the Indian 
nations of North America. 

" Brethren, 1 have been a Heathen, and have grown old 
amongst them ; therefore 1 know very well how it is with 
the Heathen, and how they think. A preacher once came 
to us, desiring to instruct us ; and began by proving to us, 
that there was a God, On which we said to him : ' Well, 
and dost thou think we are ignorant of that ? Now go 
back again to the place from whence thou earnest.' 

*^ Then again another preacher came, and began to in- 
struct us, saying, * you must not steal, nor drink too much, 
nor lie, nor lead wicked lives ' We answered him : ' Fool 
that thou art, dost thou think that we do not know that ? 
Go and learn it first thyself, and teach the people whom 
thou belongest to, not to do those things. For who are 
greater drunkards, or thieves, or liars, than thine own peo- 
ple ?' Thus, we sent him away also. 

"Sometime after this. Christian Henry, one of the 
Brethren, came to me into my hut, and sat down by me. 
The contents of his discourse to me were nearly these : 
' I come to thee in the name of the Lord of heaven and 
earth. He sends me to acquaint thee, that he would gladly 
save thee, and make thee happy, and deliver thee from the 
miserable state in which thou liest at present. To this end 
lie became a man, gave his life a ransom for man, and shed 
his blood for man. All that believe in the name of this 
.Tesus, obtain the forgiveness of sin. To all them that re- 
ceive him by faith, he giveth power to become the sons 
of God. The Holy Spirit dwelleth in their hearts, and they 
are made free, through the blood of Christ, from the slaverv 
and dominion of sin. And though thou art the chief of 
sinners, yet if thou prayest to the Father in his name, and 
believest in him as a sacrifice for thy sins, thou shalt be 
heard and saved, and he will give thee a crown of life, and 
thou shalt live with him in heaven for ever.' 

" When he had finished his discourse, he lay down upon 
a board in my hut, fatigued by his journey, and fell into a 
sound sleep. I thought within myself, « What manner of 

11 



110 MEMOIRS OF THE 

man is this ?* There he lies, and sleeps so sweetly — I 
might kill liim, and throw him into the forest, and who 
would regard it ? But he is unconcerned — this cannot be 
a bad man ; he fears no evil, not even from us, who are so 
savage ; but sleeps comfortably, and places his life in our 
hands. 

" However, I could not forget his words ; they con- 
stantly recurred to my mind ; even though I went to sleep, 
yet I dreamed of the blood which Christ had shed for us. 
I thought, ' this is very strange, and quite difterent from 
what I have ever heard.' So 1 went and interpreted 
Christian Henry's w^ords to the other Indians. 

'* Thus, through the grace of God, an awakening took 
place among us. ' 1 tell you, therefore, brethren,' said he. 
•preach to the Heathen, Christ and his blood, his suffer- 
ings and his death, if you would have your words to gain 
entrance among them ; if you wish to confer a blessing 
upon them,' "* 

" Such was the exhortation of Johannes, the Indian, to 
the missionaries, founded upon the circumstances of his 
own conversion to God." 

But the passage in Mr. Richmond's sermon, w^hich pro- 
duced the strongest impression upon his hearers, was the 
following : 

" I stand before you this day, as an ambassador for 
Christ, in the cause of those who are ready to perish. In 
his and their name, I beseech you to hear me, while I pro- 
pose a few considerations to your attention. 

*' Consider the state of the world, its empires, nations, 
kindred, and tribes. When a map of the world is pre- 
sented to the eye, with what a variety of affections it is 
viewed, according to the character and pursuits of the in- 
spector! 

* See Crantz's History of the Greenland MisFicn, a most in- 
teresting publication, in vvliich ihe preaclting of the C/-055 led to a 
general awakening of the Greenlanders, after the preliminary truths 
of religion had been brought before tliem nearly eighteen year* 
with little or no eiJieot. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. Ill 

- The mere statesman, diligently examines the magni- 
tude, position, and boundaries of other countries, with a 
sole reference to the political aggrandisement of his own. 
Wars, conque>!ts, treaties, alhances, and a muhitude of 
considerations connected with ambition, power, and na- 
tional honour, dictate and accompany all his speculations 
on-the map. And then he has done with it, and lays it 
down. 

" The merchant takes up the map, and eagerly traverses 
the delineation of sens, contiiie ts, and islands, with anxious 
inquiry as to pecuniary profit and loss trade and mer- 
chandise. His thoughts are absorbed in considering how 
much may be gained by his speculations to some distant 
island, br foreig!i shore. He meditates on the track of his 
vessel upon the ocean, marks its course upon the hazardous 
waves, and is full of agitation with respect to its fate. 
There is h's goMen treasure, and his heart is there also. 
As he views the map, he conjectures, hopes, fears ; and, 
with much solicitude, contemplates his future gains, or 
dreads impending losses The map is again laid down, 
and he has done with it. 

" The curious traveller takes up the map of the world, 
and is occupied with the remembrance or anticipation of 
the various customs manners, dresses, languages, build- 
inors, and ceremonies ; with a lon^ list of wonders and 
amusements, that have engaged his attention In such a 
way, his imagination travels over the whole globe ; and 
then this man's contemplations on the map are likewise 
concluded. 

" The natural philosopher investigates the various pro- 
ductions of this diversified globe with another object. 
Theories of the earth's formation ; the animal, vegetable, 
and mineral kingdoms ; the origin of volcanoes, the cause 
of earthquakes, the variation of the magnetic needle — all 
afford him endless subjects of examination. Every conti- 
nent, sea, climate and zone, whicii the map presents to 
his eye, furnishes him with matter for inquisitive specula- 
tion. And then, he has done with it also. 



112 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" But when the Christian beholds the world^s map, he 
lias a subject of investigation far beyond them all. What 
Ihey have overlooked and disregarded, is every thing ta 
him. His great inquiry is, ' Show me the visible kingdom 
of Christ : name the countries where Christ is known and 
worshipped. Oh ! when shall the kingdoms of this world 
become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ? 
When shall the Heathen fear the name of the Lord ?' 

" As his eye traverses the globe, he sighs over the awful 
contrast which its different portions exhibit. His own 
soul loves Jesus, the Saviour of men. But liow small a 
part of those immense tracts of country which the map. 
presents to his view, so much as know whether there be 
any Christ ! What nations immersed m Heathenish ido- 
latry ! How many overrun with the tyrannical supersti- 
tion of Mahomet ! Yea, where even the name of Christ 
is professed, how many are sunk into the deep mire of 
Popish corruption, or virtual infidelity ! How small a por- 
tion seem, as yet, to belong to (Christ ! 

" He mourns over the prospect, but does not lay dowrk 
the map and think no more of it. Again and again he 
takes it up, prays for the sheep of Christ in distant lands, 
recommends their case to God, and meditates plans for 
their deliverance. He surveys the vast continents of Asia 
and Africa, and, for the most part, it seems to be darkness 
visible. Then he looks for his native island at home, en- 
deared to him by a thousand considerations, but most en- 
deared on account of the Gospel light with which she is 
blessed. And shall not the rays of that light soon be dif- 
fused, as from a centre, to all the surrounding world ? 
Doth not a voice from above, in an especial manner, say 
unto Britons, Go ye into all the world' Wherefore? 
Only for political aggrandisement — for merchandise — for 
travelling recreation— for collecting of philosophical rari- 
ties ? Are these your only objects ? No ; saith the Word^ 
• Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every 
creature l' 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 



113 



•• From such a meditation on the map, the Christian re- 
tires, not to slumber over the convictions of duty ; not to 
say much and do nothing. He freights a vessel to carry 
the pearl of great price to those, who neither know of its 
existence nor its value. The missionary is on board the 
ship. The messenger of God is crossing the seas ; not 
as formerly, to make the Ethiopians^ afraid, but to proclaim 
the glad tidings of salvation to the Heathen, to preach the 
Gospel to the poor to heal the broken-hearted, to preach 
deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the 
blind. Whilst the Christian, at home, who has been the 
instrument of sending him forth on this errand of love, 
anxiously waits to hear the happy news, that Dagon is 
fallen upon his face to the ground, before the ark of the 
Lord ; that Bel bovveth down, and Nebo stoopeth, while 
the great trumpet is blown ; and that they which were 
ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in 
the land of Egypt, are now worshipping the Lord in his 
holy mount. 

" O ye statesmen, merchants, travellers and philosophers, 
take up your maps once more. 

" Again consider tiie state of the church ; and if you love 
Christ, feed hissheep." 

He then makes the following appeal to his hearers. 

*' Are you Christians ? How came this ? Did no man 
cross the seas to teach your forefathers wisdom ? Did no 
missionary brave the perils of a journey among your Hea- 
then ancestors, because he loved the sheep of Christ ? Yea^ 
brethren, through a blessing on missionary exertions, Christ 
visited Britain. He had a fold here, and he sent some 
faithful shepherd to gather the scattered sheep into it. Go, 
then, and feed the sheep of Christy as yourselves have 
been fed. 

" Are you Protestants ? Then let the names of the first 

Reformers — of Luther, Zuinglius, Calvin, Tindal, Cranmer. 

Latimer, and all the venerable host of faithful martyrs and 

onfessors of their day, be loved and honoured by you. 

11* 



114 MEMOIRS OF THE 

They were missionaries at home to your Popish ancestors , 
and you were delivered from the mark of the beast on your 
forehead, by God's blessing on their firm and consistent 
declaration of scriptural truths. Those holy men came 
forth as witnesses for God to a sinful and superstitious 
generation. They were as angels flying in the midst of 
heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them 
that dwell on the earth. Show that you value the blessings 
which the first Protestants purchased for you with their 
very lives, by bountiful and efficacious exertion to convey 
the same truths to others, if the Son hath made you free, 
then ye are free indeed. Freely ye have received, freely 
give. 

" Are 5^ou members of the Church of England ? Be 
dutiful sons of an honourable and gracious mother. As- 
sist her with your counsels, your experience, your various 
talents, your prayers, your time, and your money. Ena- 
ble her to send forth messengers of love and peace to 
those who at present have no knowledge, no Gospel, no 
church, no Christ, no God in the world. Her doctrines 
are precious, for they are the doctrines of the Cross : send 
them abroad to those, who know none but the doctrines of 
devils. 

<« The Church of England was the glory of the Refor- 
mation. Let her be so still. Let her character be written, 
not in the empty boasts of nominal grandeur, but in the 
actual exhibition of the fruits of the Spirit. Let her bo 
distinguished and approved ' by pureness, by knowledge, 
by long-suffering, by kindness by the Holy Ghost, by love 
unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by 
the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the 
left.' Let her be among the foremost to send forth the 
preachers of the Gospel into foreign lands, and to employ 
her peculiar advantages in the service of Christ. If you 
love the communion of your churcli, and the privileges you 
enjoy in it, multiply your contributions this day in her be- 
half. She pleads in a noble cause ; a cause that proves 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 115 

her to be the spouse of Christ ; for she longs and labour?^ 
for the increase of his kingdom, and calls upon you to pro- 
mote it : let her not call in vain." 

The collection on this occasion amounted to 33 IZ. 1*. : 
being the largest sum ever contributed at any of the anni- 
versary sermons of this society.* 

The sermon was published with the proceedings of the 
Church Missionary Society. Yet as many of the readers 
of this memoir may not possess that publication, we have 
been the more diffuse in our extracts. 

Mr. Richmond's exertions in behalf of the religious so- 
cieties, began from this period to form a very prominent 
feature m his life. His journals, which we mean to lay 
before the reader, will discover an extraordinary degree of 
zeal and labour, such as few men would attempt to equal, 
and fewer have ever exceeded His correspondence at the 
same time will show, that so far from sacrificing parochial 
or family duties to his more public engagements, he was 
most strictly conscientious in the observance of them, [t 
is admitted, that incessant occupation in the service of the 
public, may prove a serious interruption to the due dis- 
charge of private obligations, and that personal piety may 
be endangered by the excitement and distraction of pubhc 
engagements. 

Mr. Richmond formed an exception to the too common 
effect of popularity. So far from being injured by his ex- 
ertions abroad, they seemed to invigorate and fit him for 
the better discharge of his duties at home ; and his return 
from these missionary tours was ever accompanied with 
some signal revivals in his church and family. 

In the year 1810, an Auxiliary Society was formed for 
the county of Bedford, to co-operate with the London So- 
ciety for promoting Christianity among the Jews. The 
Parent Institution was not then established on its present 
basis, as a Church Society, but comprehended Christians 

■'"^ Equal to one thousand faar hundred sixty nine dollars and 
eighty six cents. Iq the following pages the amounts collected will 
be put down in dollars and cents, and not in sterling currency. A. E 



116 MEMOIRS OF THE 

of every denomination. Extempore addresses were at this 
time so unusual, that few persons were either willing or 
able to trust themselves beyond a very brief and limited ex- 
pression of their sentiments ; and the writer well remem- 
bers his own nervous agitation even when, havmg de- 
clined to take a more prominent part in the business of the 
day, the less difficult office of moving a vote of thanks to 
the chairman was assigned to him. I'he feelings of many 
others he beheves were much of the same description. 
On Mr. Richmond, therefore, by unanimous consent, de- 
volved the task ot explaining the object of the meeting ; in 
doing which he entered so fully, and with so much ability, 
into the past and present history of the Jews — the obliga- 
tions of the Christian world tu that remarkable people for 
the fidelity with which they had transmitted the sacred text 
— their claims on our gratitude and humanity — the man- 
ner in which those claims had been requited- and the guilt 
of past neglect — the lost and degraded state of the Jews, 
contrasted with the splendour of their future hopes ; that 
one would have supposed that he had been studying no 
other subject all his life : so ample was tiie knowledge he 
displayed and the fluency with which he communicated it. 

A similar meeting was afterward held at Kettering, in 
Northamptonshire, which Mr. Richmond addressed with 
equal readiness, and with a happy variety in his ideas, and 
mode of expressing them. He preached also on the same 
subject, at All Saints' church, Northampton, to a very large 
congregation. 

The circumstance that next claims our attention, is the 
formation of the Bedfordshire Bible Society, in the autumn 
of 1811. The recollections connected with this event will 
not easily be obliterated. The presence of Christians of 
all denominations, assembled, for the first time in that dis- 
trict within the memory of man, to promote, by their united 
energies, an object equally dear to all, — the dignity and 
cordiality with which his grace the Duke of Bedford, the 
president, declared his approbation of the catholic spirit and 
enlarged benevolence of the undertaking, — the animated 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 117 

and powerful speech of the late Samuel Whitbread, Esq., 
— the Christian character of the respective addresses, and 
the spirit of harmony and peace which pervaded the meet- 
ing, awakened in every bosom the purest and most exalted 
emotions. It was like the meeting of ^sau and Jacob ; 
who, after years of mutual alienation and distrust, forgot 
all past animosities, and fell on each other's neck, with 
mutual tears and embraces. 

The public meeting at Bedford w^as attended with two 
important results : the Huntincrdonshire and Northampton- 
shire Bible Societies owed their origin to the interest ex- 
cited on that occasion. In the establishment of the above 
society* and in organizing county branches, at Luton, 
Leighton Dunstable, vVoburn, Ampthill, Biggleswade, 
&c., Mr Richmond took an active part ; and was, subse- 
quently, in the habit of attending their anniversaries, and 
not unfrequentlv those also that were held u\ the adjoining 
county of Northampton. 

We now proceed to notice other labours of Mr. Rich- 
mond in the Jewish and missionary cause, m Hifferent parts 
of the kingdom : his own journal will^ best illustrate their 
beneficial effects. We begin with his first tour to the north 
of England, in the year 1812. 



118 MEMOIRS OF THi: 



JOURNAL. 

" Manchester^ Sunday morning, Oct, 25, 1812. Arrive 
at St. Stephen's, Salford, to preach for the Sunday schools : 
upwards of 800 children, and 2000 people besides, not- 
withstanding a very rainy morning. The scene highly grand 
and animating ; and the singing thrilled through every pious 
nerve and tender affection. Preached from John xxi. 15, 
* Feed my Iambs.' Collection— ^359 02. Spoke with 
much freedom, and hope I felt the love of God and of poor 
children in my heart. 

" Preached again at the same church, in the afternoon, 
from Reo, xi. 15. Church as full as in the morning. Be- 
fore the doors were opened, observed more than a consoli- 
dated acre of umbrellas waiting for admittance : the church- 
yard was hke a tabernacle of silk and cloth. 

"Went, in the evening, to St. James' church (the late 
Dr. Bailey's ) The congregation resembled a missionary 
meeting. With much difficulty T got to the pulpit — even 
the pulpit stairs were filled to the top. Preached for the 
Jews, from Psalms cxxii. 6. Collection — $238 1 1. 

" Wednesday^ Oct. 28. Beautiful morning, but cold. 
Set off at eleven, to preach for the Jews, at the lofty, ro- 
mantically situated church of Mellor, in Derbyshire. Pass- 
ed one grand aqueduct ; was delighted with beautiful and 
sublime scenery. Church and parsonage on the top of a 
high precipitous Derbyshire mountain. Prospect, magni- 
ficent beyond description. Was actually shown mountains 
in Carnarvonshire, 100 miles distant from the spot I stood 
on. Two mountains (Kinderscort and Rirumonton,) 
covered all over with snow, on our right, while all the trees 
in the valleys and plains are quite verdant ; — a sight I ne~ 
ver saw before. 

'< Thursday morning. Set off for Mancliester, at half 
past seven in the morning. At seven, went to St. Cle- 
ment's church. I think I never saw such a week-evening 
congregation, — the largest church in Manchester full to 



REV, LEGH RICHMOND. 119 

the doors ! I preached from Luke xix. 41. Never felt such 
liberty and power in the pulpit on this subject before. A 
grand chorus, exquisitely sung, from the ' Messiah' of Han- 
del, burst forth when the sermon ended. It had an elec- 
trical etfect : towards the conclusion, near 3000 voices were 
performing it — it was astonishing ! Collection — $181 22. 
" Friday morning. Went to breakfast with a gentle- 
man, who invited me expressly to meet Joseph Lancaster. 
Passed two hours in the most entertaining manner, with 
that celebrated character. 

<' Saturday. Was occupied in meditation over three 
new sermons, on the rid subject, for next day. Being 
followed about by very rnany of the same hearers, it is ne- 
cessary that my discourses be as much as possible diver- 
sified. 

" Sunday, Nov. 1 . Set out to preach at the collegiate 
church of Manchester, to the warden, fellows, and congre- 
gation of that cathedral establishment. A magnificent and 
immense old church — congregation estimated at more than 
5000, by the best judges. The interest and popularity 
which the cause and preaching excite, exceed all calcula- 
tion. I never was concerned in any thing that approach- 
ed it. 

" Preached in the afternoon, at Cheetham chapel, near 
Manchester ; — place full. Night, rained a deluge. Went 
at seven, to preach at Ardwick chapel. In spite of rain, 
the place would not hold the people. Collected about 
$450 in the day. 

" After the sermon in the evening, a gentleman of rank 
begged to be introduced to me, saying, that several ladies 
and gentlemen in the congregation were so struck, affect- 
ed, and convinced by what they had heard, of the duty and 
importance of the cause, that he was commissioned to con- 
vey their thanks, and to know in what way they might best 
co-operate in our plans, aid the funds, &c. 

" Monday, 2. Went to breakfast with Mr. B., to meet 
some religious characters, who had expressed a desire to 
••onvcrse with me : one of them, a learned and pious Quaker. 



V20 MEMOIRS OF THE 

After breakfast, a gentleman called on me, to say, that Mr. 
G., with whom I dined on Monday last, was so much inte- 
rested with my detail of the distresses of the Jewish people, 
at his table, that he sent a donation of j^44 40 for them. 
He added, that Mr. G. was Ultle less interested with my 
conversational account of the fire at Serampore ; and add- 
ed ^44 40 more, to repair that loss. Immediately after, 
two other gentlemen begged to see me ; stating, that so 
very great and extraordinary was the impression made in 
the town by the five sermons I had preached, respecting 
the Jews, and so desirous were very many to pay a person- 
al tribute of respect to me, that they proposed a public 
meeting and dinner to be called and announced, for the 
formation of an auxiliary society ; and introducing me to 
the principal inhabitants, in my missionary capacity : add- 
ing — * Sir, delicacy forbids our stating all we hear in your 
behalf; yet, the best proof of the effect you have produced, 
will appear in the assembling and fruits of such a meeting.' 
It was accordingly agreed to ; and will take place, I be- 
lieve, on Wednesday the 1 1th. 

" Went to meet a female party, who are all alive to form 
a ladies' society, under my direction, for the poor Jewesses. 
[ am at a loss to say, whether the great cause of religion 
itself, or the Jewish question, seems to be most connected 
with this journey. May the Lord keep me humble and 
thankful. I am nothing — He is every thing ! « O ! the 
depth,' &.C. 

" Wednesday y 4. Set off, with Mr. Maddock, for Man- 
chester : found Mr. Collin. Went, at one o'clock, with 
him and two clergymen, to Oldham, eight miles off. Met 
some clergymen assembled to discuss the Jewish business. 
Had a pleasant, profitable meeting. 

'^ At seven, we all went to church. A large congrega- 
tion : half of them live 400 yards beneath, in the depth of 
the coal-pits — a sable, grisly crew. I preached from Isa. 
Ixvi., last six words of the 13th verse. Collected ^59 45, 
from the colliers. Returned home to Manchester, ai 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 121 

eleven. Discussed the proceedings for the public meeting 
next week 

" Thursday, 5. Passed the day at Manchester. Found 
a letter, from an anonymous writer, inclosing two pounds :— 

* A debt of duty and gratitude to the poor Jews, and 
their affectionate missionary, who preached last night, at 
Oldham chapel.' 

" Sunday, 8. Went, at eight o'clock, to visit and exhort 
the noble Sunday school, under Mr. Thistlewaite's man- 
agement. There are 38 volunteer teachers, of all ranks. 
A most interesting sight. The children sent a petition, 
that 1 might address them ; — there were 1400. 

" Morning service at half-past ten. I preached a sacra- 
mental sermon {Luke xxii. 19.) In the afternoon, at half- 
past two, a noble congregation assembled. Preached for 
the Jews, from Rom, x. 1. At half-past six, a still more 
numerous one appeared (about 3,500 ;) and near 500 
turned back for want of room. All the dissenting meet- 
ings were shut. The scene and singing magnificent, al- 
most beyond precedent. I preached from Ps. li. 18, 
Never enjoyed a better opportunity The service con- 
cluded with that glory of Handel, the musical art, and reli- 
gion itself — the Hallelujah Chorus. The church resounded, 
as with the clear and harmonious strains of angels and 
archangels. I was electrified from head to foot, and could 
not refrain from weeping, though I concealed many tears 
of strong affection. Hallelujahs ran in reiterated peals, 
from every part of this immense congregation of united 
Christians — responsive to each other and to the subject, 
with such an effect as perfectly overwhelmed me. The 
organ was finely played ; — an excellent trumpet was in the 
band, and added much to the brilliancy of the effect. The 
collection was ^361 70. Fifteen guineas were in copper : 
it took three hours to count it ; four men could with diffi- 
culty lift one basket into the chaise, to convey it from the 
church to the house of Mr. Thistlewaite ! ! 

" Tuesday evening, 10. Received a very agreeable visit 
from a Quaker, who conversed on the subject of the Bible 

12 



122 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Society. Meditated on the best mode of preaching my 
first sermon to the Jews and Gentiles of Manchester, on 
Thursday night. 

*' Wednesday mornings 1 1 . Went to Manchester, and 
proceeded to the great room, where the public meeting 
was held. Above 200 ladies and 300 gentlemen : four 
Jews were present. Nothing could exceed the life and in- 
terest of the meeting. Grimshawe, Collin. .>ir Thomas 
Horton, and Thistle waite, all spoke exceedingly well. I 
spoke twice ; — when the vote of thanks was made to me, 
gentlemen and ladies all rose up, and every hand was up- 
lifted in so affecting and affectionate a manner, that all my 
thoughts melted into a sense of unworthiness and affection. 

'* At the close of the meetmg, a newspaper, containing 
some erroneous and invidious queries respecting our plan, 
was handed over to me ; and gave me a sudden and unex- 
pected opportunity of an extempore refutation, much to the 
satisfaction and amusement of the company. All went off 
well. The society was formed with great prospect of pros- 
perity. 

" The committee dined together. After dinner, 

took an opportunity to tell me that he had been a gay 
young man ; and that he w^as, for the first time in his life, 
so deeply impressed, that he trusted it never would be ef- 
faced. He was humbled in the dust ; and only desired to 
repent, and seek mercy through the merits of a long-shghted 
Redeemer. He is the son of one of the first families in 
this neighbourhood. He told me he came to the church 
door at the request of his sisters, to Cf'cort them to the 
evening sermon ; but while he was lingering. Providence 
had brought him in to hear me, and his heart was affected 
in the manner he had described. ' O, the depths,' &c. 

" Thursday^ 12. Shut myself up for two hours, to pre- 
pare for my sermon at night. The congregation not lesn 
numerous. Many Jews present : ten were planted directly 
before me. I preached from Rom, \ 16, 17. Entered 
into a full investigation, whether the Messiah is come or 
not : I made it also a vehicle of practical address to Chris- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 123 

tians. The servic^e concluded with the grand hymn, 
* Crown him Lord of all.' The Jews never took their eyes 
off me, — roo;ed, fixed attention, from first to last My 
address to the m was heard with a solemriity and anxiety of 
countenance by all (iresent, such as I never witnessed. A 
Jew spoke to me as i w^'ut «»ut, saying, ' Sir, W( thank you 
for your kin i spirit towards us, hut you Christians do not 
understand the law and the prophets — Good nijiht. Sir.'"* 

Extracts Jrom a Journal of a Tour in 1814. 

" August 8. Left Turvev at five in the cnormng. Dined 

at C n, with dear J s. The savoury sweetness 

and friendly cordiality of his conversation was, as it ever 
must be, delightful and edifying Arrived at Leicester, 
at eight in the eveninjj, and slept at my friend M — Ps. 
There I use<i to converse with deir father Robinson. 
How solemn and interesting does death render past rec:ol- 
lections ! Leicester cannot but mourn the loss of such a 
man He was a father, friend, pastor, counsellor and 
preacher, in an eminent degree. Peace and veneration 
be to his memory ! 

' Aug. 9. Met Mrs B., who informed me of the most 
distressing death of iMr J., of London I felt deeply 
affected. Lord, whatis man ! who can tell to what depths 
even God's children may be brought ? 1 was glad to learn, 
that he was granted time and f^ipace for repentance, and 
recovery of mind. Lord, grant his soul may be right 
with God ! May we all hear and fear 'I'he Lord be 
merciful to his interesting family In the evening, I 
preached for the Jews, at St. Mary's church A noble 
congregation. My text was Matt. x. 8. 1 found much 

* The editor, who was present at this sermon, well remembers 
the immense cono;regatioD,arni intense interest excited on this occa- 
sion. At that part ol the sermon where he addVessedthe Jews, who 
were very distinguishable by their expression of countenance, there 
was the most profound silence, and marks of the most fixed and ear- 
nest attention prevailed that he ever saw in so lai-ge a mass of peo- 
ple. 



124 MEMOIRS OF THE 

freedom in speaking, and thought God seemed to be in the 
midst of us. Very many clergymen and dissenting mi- 
nisters were present. The collection was ^184 92. 
The Lord keep me humble, simple-minded, and single- 
eyed. 

" Aug. 10. Proceeded to Derby and Matlock : — de- 
lighted with the High Tor ; resolved on its being my text, 
in illustration of Deut, xxxii 4. Congregation, and eve- 
ning, quiet, calm, and interesting. The beauty of this 
place increases, to my apprehension, every time I revisit it. 
Blessed be the Rock of salvation ! I returned to M. B. by 
late twilight. The scene exquisitely fine God made all 
these beauties ! May I see Him in them! 

'' Aug* 1 1 Went to Bonsai. It is one of the most in- 
teresting^ romantic spots I ever saw — it far exceeds de- 
scription The church and church yard are remarkably 
interesting. In the evening, preached for the Jews, from 
Prov, iii. 27. Collection, $69 26. I had not so much 
freedom as sometimes, but felt calm and hopeful. The 
character of this picturesque, sequestered village, on the 
opposite side of Masson (Hill) from Matlock, is beauti- 
ful, wild, rich, and engaging in the extreme. 

" Aug. 12. Early in the morning, I went into the beautiful 
and romantically-situated church-yard, and meditated near 
an hour. Here is a remarkably fine yew tree. In the 
evening, I received an invitation to preach for the Jews on 
Sunday morning, at Alfret<jn. I returned to Bonsai, and, 
at my friend Maddock's desire, addressed a large number 
of young people in the church, who are under instruction 
for an approaching confirmation by the bishop. It was a 
pleasing sight, and, I hope, a profitable time. How gra- 
cious is God to body, soul, and spirit ! 

'^ Aug, 14. {Sunday.) We set off for Alfreton. I 
preached for the. Jews, fi-om John iv. 22. Collection, 
^69 48. Returned to Bonsai ; preached from Psalms 
viii. 2. A church completely filled ; many visitors from 
Matlock. It was a delightful opportunity ; the Lord 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 125 

seemed to be present, amidst a worshipping and listening 
people. Such a congregation in so romantic and beautiful 
a situation, is a rare and interesting sight. Returned to 
the hotel to supper ; had some very profitable conversation 
with Mrs. B., who h^is been an authoress. How desirable 
to endeavour to introduce something for God at these 
public places. 

" August 21 (^Sunday. ) Preached for the Jews at the 
parish church of H'llifix. It is a remarkably fine old 
building The day extremely wet. In the afternoon 1 
preached at Trinity church, in the same town ; a very 
large congregation. I deeply felt my subje^jt. Immedi- 
ately after the second sermon^ Mr. C. and I set off for 
Huddersfield. The congregation at the church was im- 
mense. The Methodist chapel was shut up. The sight 
of such an assembly filled me with desire and affection, 
I preached from Rom. xi. 15, with great comfort. The 
occasion was in every way interesting. r^oUection, ^305 
24. One person had put into the plate two guineas, 
wrapped in a ten pound note! ($53 72.) As soon as 
the service was over, the organ and choir suddenly began 
the grand Hallelujah Chorus, and executed it well. The 
effect was sublime, and affected me much. 

August 23. Preached the promised lecture at Hud- 
dersfield church, from Eph. iii. 17 — 19 : a very fine con- 
gregation, although an exceedingly wet night. I was very 
earnest in my subject, and went through it with much so- 
lemn feeling. The character of this whole family, where 
I now am, is highly interesting. Such new friendships 
are, indeed, among the mercies of God to travelling pil- 
grims. 

" August 27. Set off for Bradford. Attended the 
public meeting : a very large assembly. Mr. S. made an 
excellent and argumentative speech. The venerable vicar 
was present. All went off' well. We dined with Mr. F. ; 
*.he party numerous, spiritual, and edifying. The conver- 

12* 



126 MEMOIRS OP THE 

sation very interesting. Returned to Leeds, and, by thr 
way, examined the fine ruin of Kirkstall Abbey. It is 
highly grand and beautiful. 

" Augus* 28. [Sunday,) Awoke with anxiety respect- 
ing the sermons of the day, having three to preach at dif- 
ferent churches, in the same town, (Leeds.) Went in the 
morning to St. Paul's, the church of the late Rev Miles 
Atkinson I preached for the Jev/s, from Rom. xi. 30, 31. 
Found myself strengthened. In the afternoon preached 
at St. John's, for the Jews, from Ps. cii. 12, 13. Preached 
with more satisfaction than in the morning, and felt much 
for the souls of those present. In the evening, preached 
at St. John's, fi^'om Auitt. x. 8 : a very fine congregation 
indeed. I preached with great freedom to my own feel- 
ings, both as to argument and appeal. My heart was 
much entjaged in considering the great work of the minis- 
terial calling Singing, very grand and impressive. Col- 
lection, during the day, ^450. I have reason to be 
very thankful to God, for the help and strength with which 
I was enabled to pursue my course this day. 

" August 29. Went to the public meeting at the Music- 
hall, for forming a Ladies' Society Many excellent 
speeches were made, which rendered the meeting pecu- 
liarly interesting. After dinner, went to Birstall, and 
preached for the Jews, from Ram, x 1 . The church is 
singularly venerable in architecture, and picturesque in 
character. It was full in the extreme. 

" Aug, 30. Arrived at Manchester just in time to preach 
at St. Clement's Church, from Gen. xvii. 5., on the united 
influence of Jewish and Heathen Missions on each other. 
Afterwards, prepared papers for a meeting next morning. 
I felt my mind aftected while enlarging on the above 
view of the question. 

*' Aug* 31. Held the anniversary meeting of the Auxi- 
liary Society. Numerous attendance Preached in the 
evening at Stanley-bridge chapel, from John iv. 2^. Was 
struck with seeing a monument to the Rev. John Ken 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 127 

worthy, aged thirty-four He was a college friend, and I 
did not know what was become of him In the midst of 
bfe we are m death ! 

''Sept. 1. Found many letters ; one from my dear wife, 
which I answered. Children all well at home. O, how 
merciful is God ! I have laboured much this last fortnight, 
but am in no respect the worse, and in many the better for 
it. And so may he ever give his beloved rest ; not from, 
but in labour. The harvest is plenteous, but the labourers 
are few. The importance of such a work as I am en- 
gaged in, appears daily more and more in its effects on in- 
dividuals, places, and districts. May the Master whom I 
serve, give me strength according to my day, and use me 
for his own glory, and the good of the church of Christ, 
ivhere, when and ho7t) he pleaseth ! 

Sat up, before I went to bed, and meditated on the 
blessings which God had mercifully bestowed on me, in 
giving me so valuable a wife, and so many dear children. 
I then prayed for them, and retired to rest. 

"• Sept. 3. Made two skeletons for Church Missionary 
sermons, to be preached at Buxton to-morrow. Proceeded 
thither. Scenery lovely. Buxton completely full. My 
sermon here is an arduous task. God give me strength to 
go through it to his glory ; fearless of men, and anxious for 
their spiritual welfare. • [ find that ladies are to collect at 
the church to-morrow. 

" Sept. 4. (^Sunday.) Rose early, to prepare for my 
day's work. Went to the new and beautiful chapel. A 
large congregation of genteel people. I preached from 
Lifke xix. 42, for the Jews. I enjoyed sufficient freedom 
from fear, so as to be rendered comfortable. Ladies col- 
kcted from pew to pew, supported by gentlemen. Went 
immediately afterwards to Bakewell, where I preached for 
the Church Missionary Society, from Rom. iii. 29. From 
thence I went to Yeolgrave, where I preached for the same 
cause, from Matt, ix, 37, 38. 

*« Sept. 5. Rose early, and was struck with the singular- 
ly beoiutiful effect of the morning fog or dew,, rolling, oij 



128 MEMOIRS OF THE 

rather reposing in flakes and masses on the valley seen 
from my window The hills around me were clear, the 
sun shining, the objects in some part of the valley beginning 
to appear. At length all became clear and unmterrupted. 
The whole was highly interesting. Went through the 
beautiful valley. Saw a comment on my text last night ; 
a larse tract of harvest land, and one solitary person rrap- 
ing it! Noticed a sublime and interesting mass of rocks : 
their shape, form, and character, worthy of the minutest 
attention. Wild, unfrequented, and romantic, in the high- 
est decfree. Within them is a hermit's cave, on the wall 
of which some pious artist has sculptured a crucifix. Me- 
ditation has here scope for boundless action — scenic, spi- 
ritual, sublime, and beautiful. 

*' Sept. 6. Received a letter from my dear wife. All 
Avell, God be praised. Mercies still follow me. Bless the 
Lord, O my soul ! and all that is within me bless His holy 
name ! 

*' Sept 9. Attended a meeting of ladies and gentlemen, 
for the Church Missionary Society. Messrs Kemp? 
Saunders, Gell, Maddock, and mysrlf, spoke. The col- 
lection, including two donations of ten guineas each, from 
Lady E. Percival, and the Hon. Mrs Childers, after my 
sermon last night, amounted to §179 69. This first in- 
cursion into the very heart of a ^vater ing- place is an ex- 
cellent beginning, and promises well. We met at the 
dining-room, just underneath the romantic rocks : shrubs, 
trees, river, &c., opposite. I was reminded of Salvator 
Rosa's picture of John the Baptist preaching in the wil- 
derness. 

"The Lord of grace and glory help me in my work, and 
bless it to me, a poor sinner, while I preach for^ and to, 
other poor sinners! 

'^ Sept. 11. (^Sunday.) Preached in the fine old church 
(with its most singular and crooked spire,) for the Church 
Missionary Society, from 3Iark xvi. 15. Set off for 
Sheffield. Proceeded to the parish church : congregation 
con.iputed at 3500o Many hundreds unable to set in, I 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 129 

preached jointly (by express desire) for the Jews and the 
Heathen, from Rom, iii. 29. Collection — jJS^OS 12. 
The Hallelujah Chorus was grand and affecting in the 
liighest degree. Much to be thankful for in each of the 
three sermons this day. The collection was s^iid to be the 
largest ever made in this church, on any occasion It is 
not easy to describe or conceive the effect of such a con- 
gregation as this at Sheffield. 

" Sept, 12. Most hospitably received at Mrs. Walker's. 
Went to see Mr. Walker's great iron- works, near Rother- 
ham. Saw a cannon cast, and went through the whole 
manufactory. It is most ingenious and interesting. Saw 
the rolling-mill, and manufacture of tin plates. Observed 
on our return in the evening, the effects of the many sur- 
rounding blazing furnaces. The effect in so fine a night is 
grand and beautiful : some of the fires on the tops of high 
hills, some on the sides, others in the valleys — some near, 
others distant. 

" Sept. 14. Preached at Rotherham church, for the 
Church Missionary Society. Text — Matt xxviii. 19, 20. 
A fine congregation. Dear Maddock read prayers. Nu- 
merous proofs hourly occur of the usefulness of my mis- 
sionary labours, wherever we travel. Surely, goodness 
and mercy follow us ! Glory be to God ! 

" Sept. 16. Went to Selby. Preached for the Church 
Missionary Society. The congregation good and attentive. 
My excellent friend Maddock accompanied me. Before 
I retired to rest, felt peculiarly earnest m prayer for my be- 
loved wife and children. O ! for the Lord to crown them 
with his mercies, temporal, spiritual, and eternal ! 

" Sept. 19. Received a singularly interesting letter 
from the Russian princess, Sophia Metschertski, at St. 
Petersburgh. Explored the romantic and beautiful scenery 
around Knaresborough. Went onto Studley Park Saw 
the ruins of Fountains' Abbey ; — it far exceeds every thing 
I have seen or shall see — imagination itself is filled, and 
more than filled, I went through the long walk with that 
vigour, which I only find myself able to exert when I travel 



130 MEMOIRS OP THE 

and have my mind strongly bent on interesting and rational 
enj<jyment. 

" Sept, 2o, (^Sunday.) Preached in the morning at St. 
Paul'c*, Let'us, from Gen, xxii. 18. Dmed with Air H. ; 
tben preache i ai St. Ji»hn's, from Eph, ii. 12, 13. Preach- 
ed in the eveniag, at St. James's, from Isa. ix. 7. In the 
moiumg, feh cabn and comfortable In the evening found 
most enjoyment in my work The congregation overflow- 
ing — the singm^ UMiversal — the effect ielightful. Mis- 
sionaries vveie present. How mercifully the Lord carries 
me through 1 — What shall I render unto Him for all his 
benefits. 

*' Sept 26. Attended the public anniversary meeting. 
Thirteen clcrirymen spoke. The whole went oft* excellently, 
Drank tea with a large religious party at Mr D.'s. All 
profitable and aifv^ctionate. The Princess vSophia's letter 
delights every one th*r«t hears it. 

"'Sept. 21. Prea<hed at Huddersfield, from Ps. xcvi. 
10 Church crowded m the extreme. I was able to speak 
with gieat read mess. Collection ^'^55 20 

^' Sept 28 Held the anniversary meeting of the Hud- 
dersfield Associ ition Pre.ched in the eveniitiJ at Al- 
mondbury, from Matt ix 37, 38. A noble congregation. 
What strong testimonials do I daily receive, nf the extensive 
usefulness of mv journey ! Surely God is good indeed, 
in thus comforting my spirits, amidst many thoughts of 
anxiety ! 

'• Oct, I . — Prepared to leave Woodhouse, — a roof under 
which \ have met with so much t<» improve and delight, 
that I know not how to express my gratitude to God and 
its owners as • ought The five daughters gave me |122 
^0, as an annual suliscription for a negro rescued child, to 
be called after Maddock and myself We were requested 
to plant two trees, as njemorials of our visit and friendship, 
M. planted an oak, and I a Portugal laurel. The whole 
interesting family heaped every mark of regard and respect 
upon us. J desire to enter my record of thankfulness and 
affectionate pleasure, which this visit and intercourse have 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 131 

excited in my heart : in such things, the Lord is good in- 
deed. Proceeded to Bradfofd. Heard fresh testimonies" 
there, to the great use of religious tours. 

''Oct 2, {Sunday.) Preached in the morning at Brad- 
ford church, from Rom, x. 15, 14. A fine congregation. 
Preached in the afternoon at the same church, from Matt. 
ix. 36. A still larger congregation. Preached in the 
evening from Rev.xi. 15. Overflowing congregation: 1 
never saw any thing like it — not less than 4000, certainly. 
Three collections— j^5 10 60. Such a day— such a church 
— such a vicar — such life — such attention — such hberality, 
and such general success, are rarely seen. I desire to 
praise God from my heart, for the interesting, animating, 
encouraging scene, it altogether presented. I received 
the sacrament from the hands of the venerable, apostolical, 
blind vicar. 

" Oct. 5. Met my mother at Chesterfield. We travelled 
together to Mansfield. Proceeded to the church. A very 
fine congregation. I preached from Rom, x. 15, Collec- 
tion — $222. I have had great heaviness of spirit since 
Monday night, but I think the Lord has blessed me in it. 
He is good and merciful ! 

" Oct. 6. Travelled to Bonsai, where Maddock found 
his wife and children well. O ! may God grant that I do 
the same ! He has been with me as a Protector all the 
way, and I will trust him still ! May every tear be wiped 
troni my loved Mary's eyes, and may we again meet, with 
Christian and connubial aflTection. Amen. 

^ " Oct. 8. I parted with my friend Maddock, at six 
o'clock. God be with him. He has been an amiable, 
cheerful, and most interesting companion and coadjutor ; 
[ love and esteem him from my heart.^ Rejoiced greatly 
jn the hope of meeting my dear wife at Creaton. I can 
truly say that that place where she is, is a dear home to 
my heart ; and home itself ceases to be home, if she is not 

* This excellent man is since departed to a better world, beloved 
and esteemed by all who knew him. 



132 MEMOIRS OF THE 

there. Lord. I bless thee, for having preserved me safe 
through a journey which already exceeds 1160 miles ; and 
may it be crowned by meeting her at last, in love and union 
of soul ! — Arrived safe at Creaton, and found my dear wife 
and daughter well. This is a crowning mercy, and shall 
be accounted as such. 

" Oct. 1 1. We left Mr. Jones'. Dined at Northampton, 
and arrived safe at Turvey, at half-past seven o'clock — 
finding the dear children well. What shall I render to the 
Lord, for all his benefits unto me ? 

" Thus ends a journey marked by manifold mercies, 
pleasures, useful labours, and gratifying events. Many 
valuable friendships formed ; — religious and personal in- 
fluence extended ;— the cause both ot Jews and Heathen 
furthered ; — knowledge gained, love increased, and Chris- 
tian esteem established and cemented. — Gloria Deo in 
excdsis I"" 



ItlEV. LEGH RICHMOND. 133 



CHAPTER IX. 

Extracts from Journal, — Success of these tows, — E^ect 
on the interests of religion, — His own improvement, — thai 
of his parish and family . 

'' August, 1815. Commenced a journey for the Jews' 
and Church Missionary Societies. 

^' Aug, 27. Preached at Bolton, to between three and 
lour thousand people, for the Sunday schools. Collection 
— j^753 11. A magnificent appearance. The singing was 
urand and impressive in the highest degree. Anthems, 
tiandel's Chorusses, &c. were sung, and accompanied by 
trumpets, horns, &c. in a very fine style indeed. My mind 
was much affected, and I found considerable enlargement, 
though not without much inward temptation and struggle 
to the contrary. 

" Aug. 30. Went to see Lancaster church and castle. 
The latter is grand in a very high degree. The modern 
Gothic court-houses exceed any thing I have ever seen. 
The view from thence superb : sea, estuaries, castles, 
mountains, &.c., form a beautiful display of scenery. 
Examined the interior of the castle, visited the criminals, 
&c. Had much affecting information from Mr. H. rela- 
tive to some criminals, executed at various periods. What 
a picture of man does a gaol afford ! — how it reminds me 
of the saying of John Bradford, the reformer, on seeing a 
criminal taken to the place of exectition — ' But for the 
ii:race of God, there goes John Bradford.' 

" Sept, 6. Saw VVinandermere Lake with astonishment 
and delight. Proceeded te Ambleside, where I had a very 
pleasing conversation with the Bishop of Llandaff. Pro- 
ceeded, through the enchanting road bv Rvdal Water, 

13 



134 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Grassmere, Lealhes Water, Helvellyn, &c., to Keswick* 
whose beauties baffle all description. Our conversation 
was Christian and edifying — all having the greatest enjoy- 
ment in the scenery and its accompaniments. 

** Sept, 7- Rose early, and walked to examine the beau- 
tiful mountain of Skiddaw. After breakfast, went round 
Keswick Lake. Saw the Barrow Cascades, Lowdore Wa- 
ter-fall, Borrovvdale Falls, Bowder Stone, dsc. All beyond 
my description, or previous conception. After dinner, sail- 
ed on the L; ke, with some other friends. All was serene 
— lovely — delightful ! The Lowdore cannon was fired : 
the echo of the many mountains produced a peal of perfect 
thunder. We sung hymns on the lake by sunset and moon- 
light : the effect may be better conceived than written. 

" Sept, 8. Set off at six, for Ulleswater : beauty and 
wonder in profusion. Saw the great mountain of Saddle- 
back, and a druidical circle of stones. Crossed the Lake 
of Winandermere, by the west. Exquisite moonlight ! Ar- 
rived at Kendal at night. Of these three days — my com- 
panions — my enjoyments, I would write, but 1 cannot ; — 
they have left an indelible trace ; and I bless God for the 
mercy. 

" Sept. 10, [Sunday.) Went to Tunstal, and preached 
for the Jews. Proceeded to Lancaster, and preached 
again for the Jews. A fine congregation. Much help 
from above throughout the day. 

" Sept. 11. Dined with dear Mrs. P., at S. Lodge. A 
most profitable and spiritual party. It was suddenly pro- 
posed after dinner, that I should preach a lecture that night 
at Lancaster. At two hours' notice, about 1000 people 
were collected. I pxeached from Heb. xiii. 8 . 

'' Sept. 12. Passed an affectionate day with my mother 
and sister. My mother, near eighty, walked a mile and a 
half — God preserve her \ Had much religious conversa* 
tion. 

'« Sept. 13. Went to C. Hall, the seat of the excellent 
C. W., Esq. Viewed the exquisitely romantic beauties of 
Kirby-Lonsdale church, church-yard, and bridge. In the 



REV. LEGH RICHMOXD. 135 

evening, expounded the 23d Psalm to a large company of 
friends and neighbours. 

" Sept. 14. Left this interesting and most edifying family. 
Proceeded to Knaresborough. Arrived at the friendly 
House of Mr. C. ; and preached, the following day, for 
the Jews, from Luke xxiv. 47. 

" Leeds, Sept, 18 A dehghtful anniversary meeting of 
the Church Missionaiy Society. Mr. Corrie, from India, 
gave most interesting details respecting that country and 
iVbdool Messee, &c. Many excellent speeches : great 
savour and spirituality throughout the whole. 

** Sept, 24, {Sunday,) Preached at St. Stephen's, Sal- 
ibrd, for the Sunday schools, from John iii. 14, 15. Very 
good congregation. In the afternoon, preached again for 
the schools, from Ps. Ixxii. 4. Preached in the evening, 
at St. Clement's, from Gen. xii. 1, 2, 3. Congrcgaticn 
overflowing I find by a letter, that Mr. C, of Bradfon', 
has through me, anonymously, given ^380 28, to the churc'i 
mission. 

" Sept, 29. Attended the Jewish anniversary. It war- 
rendered most interesting by the particulars communicate! 
about a converted Jew, Emanuel Lemon, who died at Man- 
chester. 1 went afterward to the house where he died, and 
sp^nt two hours in deep affection, listening to the simpic 
narratrves of facts, from various persons concerning this 
singular convert. Brought away some memorials of him. 
A very good day indeed. 

Huddersfield, Oct, 1. Preached for the Church Mis- 
sionary Society, from Acts xxvii. 23. Church much crowd- 
ed. Preached in the afternoon, at Slaithw^aite chapel, from 
Mark xvi. 15. Above two thousand persons present. In 
the evening, preached at Longwood chapel from Ps, 
Ixxxix. 15, 16. An immense multitude. I'pw^ani.^ of 
$350 collected at these three services. Mad a day of great 
labour and apparent usefulness. Was carried through, 
very mercifullv, in all the three sermons. I hear of good 
effects from my sermons of last year m this vicinity, parti- 
cularly that at Huddersfield, from Eph, iii. on the love of 
Christ." 



136 



MEMOIRS OF THE 



As the remaining parts of lliis tour refer to places already 
mentioned in the preceding accounts, we forbear to insert 
them ; though they aflbrd ample testimony to tlie usefulness 
of his labours. 
' There may be a disposition in the minds of some who 
have read these journals, to censure, rather than to approve. 
The slender hold which the Gospel Ins on their hearts and 
affections, utterly disqualities them for estimating the spirit 
and aim of a man who, to use the v.ords of the venerable 
Leighton, counted the whole world, ** in comparison of the 
cross of Christ, one grand impertinence.'^^ To such minds, 
the royal prophet would seem '-' vile," when in the holy 
exultation of his spirit, he danced before the ark of God ; — 
tlie great apostle would seem to rave, in the record of his 
sutierings and labours : and even the Saviour of the world 
to be '* beside himself," while he found it his meat and his 
drink to do the wdll of God. Such men cannot accommo- 
date to the standard of their own selfish and earthly appre- 
hensions, the zeal and piety of one, who, "intent upon the 
attainment of heaven (for himself or others) rejects with in- 
dignation, eveiy attempt to degrade or deride subjects he 
never recollects but with seriousness and anxiety." Let 
it be remembered, however, that '• nothing but stupidity,, 
or the most frivolous dissipation of thought, can make even 
the inconsiderate forget the supreme importance of every 
tiling which relates to a future existence. The most pre- 
posterous device by which the weakest devotee ever be- 
lieved he w^as securing the happiness of a future life, is 
more rational than unconcern about it. Upon this subject, 
nothing is so absurd as indifference — no folly so contempti- 
ble as thoughtlessness and levity."* Men may selfishly 
indulge themselves, and pursue their own immediate grati- 
fications ; and seeing nothing valuable in religion be- 
vond the form, decry every attempt to realise or exhibit its 
powder. They may affect to hide or explain aw^ay the dire- 
ill! consequences of idolatry, to the human race ; and under 

^ Paley's Moral PhiL 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 137 

cover of a false-named charity, which is, in reality, no other 
than an indifference, arising out of ignorance and unbelief, 
exclaim, " What have we to do with other men's religions ?' 
But he who faithfully lays before his thoughts the awlfjl 
delusions and abominable crimes of millions of his fellow- 
creatures, and connects these evils with the solemn and af- 
fecting declaration of the Bible, '< the wages of sin is 
death,"— even " the bitter pains of eternal death," — will, 
in his own deliverance from them, *< count all things but 
loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus 
his Lord ;" and will burn with a zeal even to his consuming, 
till " all flesh shall see the salvation of God." 

These fragments were evidently not intended for the pub- 
lic eye.* They are the simple details of daily occurren- 
ces ; designed, perhaps, to interest his family, and keep 
alive in his own remembrance, a sense of the divine good- 
ness. Yet, on this account, they may be regarded as the 
more faithful witnesses of the scenes through which he 
passed, and of his views respecting them. It is impossible 
to read the facts recorded, without prejudice, and not dis- 
cern in them the man of God ; — his time spent in laborious 
and incessant occupation ; — a piety fervent, but rational ; 
with less admixture of human infirmity, than may be found 
in the diaries of many other good men ; — a holy elevation 
of spirit in the pursuit and possession of his object, combi- 
ned with deep humility ; — a habit of devotion, and increas- 
ing personal piety, in the midst of almost universal respect 
and popularity ; — a sense of danger, and constant prayer 
to be preserved from it ; — and what perhaps is more than 
all, in the midst of labours unceasing, various, and exciting, 
abroad^ — a constant eye to the claims at home. 

The editor has no inclination to amplify the preceding 
remarks on the missionary tours of his friend, except from 

* In the above opinion, we most fully concur. There are many 
things so entirely of a private nature, that we have thought it pro- 
per to omit them altogether, and to retain only such parts of the 
Journals, as were more particularly corinected with Mr. Richmond's 
public agency. Am. Ed. 

13* 



138 MEMOIRS OF THE 

a desire of rendering ihem useful to those excellent men- 
who are following the course in which he took the lead. 
Mr. Richmond needed more repose than he allowed him- 
self, and probably shortened his valuable life by over- exer- 
tion. There is a good deal of error in the trite maxim 
often quoted, '' it is better to wear out than to rust out :'' 
surely, it is a point of practical wisdom, to preserve a me- 
dium between indolence and over-effort ; and the editor 
cannot but consider, that exertion beyond the limits assign- 
ed to human powder is little better than a moral suicide. If 
good men were to satisfy themselves of the sinfulness of 
over-strained activity, they w^ould submit to the rein for 
conscience' sake. It appears, that besides the fatigue of 
hastening from one place to another to fulfil his engage- 
ments, Mr. Richmond generally preached three sermons 
on the sabbath, and often five or six more in the course of 
the week. His fatigue was also increased by the crowded 
congregations who assembled to hear him. The hours 
which should have been given to repose, were unceasingly 
occupied in conducting family worship, and conversing at 
every meal with persons who were invited to meet him- 
even to the last hour of the day. On these occasions he 
took, as was expected, a prominent part in the conversa- 
tion ; which however useful to others, must have insensibly 
exhausted his strength. The writer, who accompanied 
him in many of these tours, often expressed a fear that he 
would soon become a wreck in mind and body, as the in- 
evitable result of such continued exertions His reply 
was generally the same, *' I am not fatigued : I do not feel 
it ;" but the writer felt assured that imbecility or a prema- 
ture old age, must soon succeed these unceasing efforts. 
The political and religious world have had some beacons 
held out to them, from which they might gather an instruc- 
tive warning, and learn to acknowledge the wisdom of a 
remark made by an estimable character, " I labour less, 
that I may labour the longer ;" he might have added, " with 
greater benefit to the church of God, in the season of ma- 
tured experience and ripened judgment." In the midst of 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 139 

these multiplied engagements, the writer could not refrain 
from asking his friend, " whence do you obtain supplies for 
these extraordinary demands ?" Hours of retirement and 
meditation are necessary to every Christian ; still more ne- 
cessary to the minister of religion, and most of all to those 
v/hoare exposed to the temptations and distractions of pubhe 
life. The largest reservoir will fail, unless it receives con- 
tinual supplies. Mr. Richmond, in these circumstances, 
felt his need of redoubled watchfulness and prayer : he 
not only rose early in the morning to seek communion with 
the Father of spirits, and retired early at night from the 
converse of man, that he might renew his strength in wait- 
ing upon God ; but it was the constant habit of his mind 
throughout the day, by secret ejaculations, to draw down 
help from above. 

- Besides this, he had by previous research collected his 
materials, and by close study had so mastered his subject, 
that he required less time for preparation than most men. 
He would often arrange his ideas for a sermon, as he was 
travelling to the place where it was to be delivered ; and 
the abundance of his resources, together with a remarkable 
facility of utterance, contributed to lessen his labour. 
That which most surprised me, was the diversified manner 
in which he treated the same subject. An esteemed friend 
of the writer's once assured him, that he went to hear Mr. 
Richmond preach three sermons on one Sunday. He said, 
he expected there would be, of course, a similarity in the 
discourses ; and yet they proved to be as varied as if they 
had been delivered by three different preachers. 

The effects of these exertions in promoting the interests 
of the missions, as well as those of personal religion, were 
most obvious. 

He has been known to have collected in these excursions 
from ^3,550, to $4,440 ; and he once told the writer, that 
the fruits of one of these journeys were not less jp5,228. 
But though money forms the sinews of cliarity no less than 
of war, and is indispensable to the operations of every so- 
ciety ; it wa^s the establishment of missionary views and 



140 MEMOIRS OF THE* 

principles, the correction of errors, and the removal of pre- 
judices, and the enforcement of the claims of Jews and 
Gentiles on the prayers and benevolence of the Christian 
public, which formed one of the most prominent features 
of usefulness in these tours : we may add another, of 
which he never lost si^ht, in preaching either for Jews or 
Gentiles, viz. : the interests of personal religion, and the 
close connexion of missionary objects irith the advancement 
of personal piety. While he spoke of the souls of the Hea- 
then or Jew, he faithfully reminded his hearers of their 
own ; admonished them of their obligation to improve 
their Chi-istian privileges ; and of the possibility of many» 
at the last day, being admitted " from the east, and from 
the west, and from the north, and from the south," while 
the children of the kingdom might be cast out : — that no- 
minal Christianity was, after all, little better than Heathen 
ignorance ; while it involved greater guilt, and a more tre- 
mendous responsibility ; — that personal religion was one of 
the best securities for missionary zeal and exertion ; and 
that no one was ever likely to be successfully engaged in 
communicating the Gospel to others, till he had first felt its 
power and experienced its peace in his own heart. 

The writer of this Memoir can state, from his own per- 
sonal observation, that the improved tone of moral feeling, 
and of attachment to the distmcjuishin^ truths of the Gos- 
pel, which is now so perceptible throughout the kingdom, 
may, to a considerable extent, be traced to the influence of 
these, and similar missionary excursions. He has often 
heard his lamented friend observe, in the earlier days of 
these institutions, — •' the public mind is gradually under- 
going a great moral revolution. Ten or twelve leading 
men are doing all the work, and bearing the burden and 
heat of the day. It will be comparatively easy for those 
who come after us ; but the prejudice, the opposition, and 
the conflict of opinion, it is ours to encounter : and these 
difficulties are good for us : for they convince us of our 
own weakness, and show the excellency of the cause, and 
the power and strength of God in its success and progress/" 



REV\ LEGH RICHMOND. 141 

We copy an extract from a letter to his aunt, in which the 
same sentiments are expressed. " Incalculable is the na- 
tional good which is daily springing up from such exertions. 
Lt now appears capable of demonstration, that the moral 
wilderness will eventually blossom as the rose, through thc3 
blessing of God on Bible and Missionary institutions. The 
opposition of error and prejudice languish and decay ; 
while the triumphant career of sacred benevolence con- 
veys life, light, peace, and love ; and bears unequivocal 
evidence to the universe, that ' God is with us of a truth." " 

We have already stated, that Mr. Richmond's popularity 
had no injurious effect on his mind. It must be acknow- 
ledged, that ministers of great popular talents are exposed 
to danger, and particularly from the indiscreet admiration 
of some of their followers, who forget that ministers, like 
other men, share in the common corruptions of fallen na- 
ture. But it may be observed, that the uncommon simpli- 
city and unfeigned humility of Mr. Richmond, was a great 
preservative from the ensnaring tendency of human ap- 
plause. The writer can declare, from long observation of 
his friend, that no man more uniformly abstained from the 
language of praise towards others, or discouraged it more 
unreservedly towards himself. 

Those too, w^ho suppose that engagements of a public 
nature are an unbroken career of success and popularity, 
are much mistaken. The advocates of a public cause have 
much to try their faith and patience There are fightings 
without and fears within ; subjects of dee[) humiliation m 
their own experience ; and a necessity for much meekness, 
to bear with the unreasonable opposition of enemies, and 
the prejudices and mistakes of friends Their divine Mas- 
ter leaves them not without a holy discipline, to keep them 
low at his feet, and lowly in their own eyes. 

Mr. Richmond had the habit of connecting every thing 
with God. Every event, pleasurable or painful ; every obr 
ject in nature, or work of human ingenuity, suggested a 
subject for devout contemplation, and filled his sowl with 
boly aflfections. He seemed to possess, in religion, the 



142 MEMOIRS OF THE 

secret once attributed to recondite philosophy, and all he 
touched became gold, which he converted to his own use. 
and to the benefit of others. This holy transmutation 
made every place a Bethel, and every object a cause of 
some pious emotion ; and thus circumstances ensnaring in 
their natural tendency, were made to him the medium of 
nearer access to God. 

We shall close these remarks with an extract from his 
journal, entitled, " Reflections suggested during a Tour in 
Westmoreland and Lancashire, wiih two valued friends;'' 
and a Poetical efiusion, written after visiting the grave of 
Hervey, in Northamptonshire. 

^' There is a peculi^ar sweetness in the recollection of 
those hours which we have spent with friends of a kindred 
spirit, amidst the beauties of created nature. The Chris- 
tian can alone find that congeniality in associates, who not 
only possess a lively and cultivated sense of the high beauty 
which landscape scenery presents to the eye ; but who cari 
also see creation's God in every feature of the prospect. 
The painter can imitate, the poet describe, and the tourist 
talk with ecstasy of the sublime and beautiful objects which 
constitute the scene before him But he only can be said 
to enjoy them aright, whose talents, taste, and aflfections, 
are consecrated to the glory of Him by whom ' all things 
were made, and without v> horn was not any thing made 
that was made.' When the pencil that traces the rich and 
animated landscape of mountains, lakes, and trees is 
guided by a grateful heart as well as by a skilful hand : 
then the picture becomes no less an acceptable offering to 
God, than it is a source of well-directed pleasure to the 
mind of man. And when the poet, in harmonious num- 
bers, makes hill and dale responsive to his song, happy is 
it if his soul be in unison with the harp of David, and if he 
can call on all created nature, to join in one universal cho- 
rus of gratitude and praise. The Christian traveller best 
enjoys scenes like these. In every wonder, he sees the 
hand that made it — in every landscape, the bounty that 
adorns it — in rivers, fields, and forests, the Providence that 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 143 

ministers to the wants of man — in every surrounding ob- 
ject, he sees an emblem of his own spiritual condition — 
himself a stranger and a pilgrim, journeying on through a 
country of wonders and beauties ; alternately investigating, 
admiring, and praising the works of his Maker, and antici- 
pating a holy and happy eternity to be spent in the Paradise 
of God, where the prospects are ever new, and the land- 
scapes never fade from the sight !" 

'* O ! for the expanded mind that soars on high, 
Ranging afar with Meditation's eye ! 
That climbs the heights of yonder starry road, 
Rising through nature, up to nature's God I 

*^ O ! for a heart that seeks the sacred gloom 
Which hovers round the precincts of the tomb I 
While fancy, musing there, sees visions bright, 
In death discovering life — in darkness light ! 

^' O ! for a soul to trace a Saviour's power. 
In each sweet form that decks the blooming flower I 
And, as I wander such fair scenes among, 
rii make the Rose of Sharon all my song. 

"What though the chilling blasts of winter's day 
Forbid the garden longer to be gay ? 
Of winter yet I'll not refuse to sing. 
Thus to be followed by eternal spring ! 

" Hervey ! be thou my guide to point the road 
That leads far hence, to yonder blest abode ! 
Grant me his faith, thou good, thou great Most High I 
Let me like Hervey live — like Hervey die !" 

We next insert an extract from a letter addressed to his 
aunt, in the year 1817, in refutation of a report that his 
public services were recompensed by a salary. 

" This subject reminds me of an observation which you 
made when I lately saw you, and to which I for a moment 
beg to draw your attention. You said that some person 
had told either you or Mrs. M., that I received some pe- 
cuniary compensation for my services in behalf of the reli- 



144 MEMOIRS OF THE 

gious institutions for which I am in the Iiabit of pleading. 
I must request that justice may be done to me, and to the 
cause which I espouse. The report is false, in every pos- 
sible point of view. I never did, nor ever would accept of 
a single farthing, from a single individual. The whole has 
ever been completely gratuitous, and disinterested. Many 
valuable clergymen are pursuing the same path of useful- 
ness in their occasional excursions from home : but they 
act as volunteers, and not as hirelings ; we seek no reward 
in this world, but thai of seeing good done, and mankind 
benefited Let this injurious report be repelled ; let not 
prejudice and mistake operate to the disadvantage of truth 
and charity. I can say, for one, that if ever the least de- 
parture were to take place from the disinterested plan of 
serving the societies gratuitously, I would instantly abandon 
the ranks of their pubhc defenders and advocates My 
services arise from conscientious principle, and are neither 
directly nor obliquely connected with pecuniary advantage ; 
but quite the reverse, if all were known. Some people 
seem to doubt the possibility of disinterested activity. 
Alas ! they know not the motives which Christianity in- 
spires. Christ said for himself, and all true Christian?, 
' My kingdom is not of this world.' May we all fully know 
what that important text means." 

But the question which will no doubt principally suggest 
itself to the reader, is*the following : — 

How was his place supplied in his parish during these 
excursions ? 

It was his fixed determination never to enter upon any 
public engagement, till a provision had been made for the 
services of his parish ; and he seldom left home without 
procuring a resident minister. Subsequently, when the 
claims of the different public societies, and the calls of his 
distant friends, required him to give up a certain portion of 
his time, he appointed a regular curate, who united with 
that office the care and tuition of his children ; — that nei- 
ther his family, or his people, might suffer any diminution 
of their accustomed privileges by his absence. The fol- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 145 

iowing letter, addressed to a clergyman who was his tem- 
porary representative during one of these journeys, will 
prove that he was not satisfied with merely procuring a 
.substitute, but that it was his earnest wish to secure the 
conscientious and efficient performance of the duty. 

• My dear Sir, 

" I hope this will meet you in good health. In com- 
iiiittincr my flock to your care for a season, I earnestly pray 
God that you and they may prosper, and profit together. 
1 will add a few words^ explanatory of my usual proceed- 
ings, I have, on Sunday morning and afternoon, full 
services. My evening service is for the Sunday school, 
and I always address them in the most free and simple 
manner. If ever you speak without full notes, this would 
be your occasion ; if not, let the children be the especial 
object of your evening ministry, in that way wherein God 
.-hall direct your heart and lips. 

" You will naturally wish to know my usual matter and 
manner of preaching. In matter, I keep the Lord Jesus 
Christ continually 'present^ and experimentally applied to 
the consciences, affections, and understandings of the 
'learers : my people are constantly used to the exhibition 
f the saving offices of Christ, as prophet, priest and king, — 
all and in all : — strengthening, comforting, guiding, and 
making the believing sinner meet for the inheritance of the 
-aints in light. T preach the duties of Christians, not as 
detached and separable appendages to doctrines, but as 
intimately connected and infalhbly mixed with them, and 
flowing from them : still keeping the work of the Holy 
Spirit in view, as convincing, directing, and revealing Jesus 
as the principal of both justification by faith alone, and 
^anctification through the Holy Spirit himself These 
rich, never- failing, fruitful, and consolatory truths, I feel to 
be the great subject and object of the Christian ministry ; 
tad, as such, I have ever preached them fully, freely, and 
experimentally. Give them, my dear sir, these plain scrip- 
tural truths, in godly simplicity, and they will love and bless 

14 



146 MEMOIRS OF THE 

you. In point of length, I would recommend from thirty- 
five to forty-five^ minutes, as the extreme limits. 

" As to manner ; my first object is, to exhibit affection, 
earnestness, and real desire, Xh^i every sentiment^ and every 
sentence may profa the hearts of my hearers 

'* I rely on your brotherly and friendly feelings, to allow 
for the frankness of these accounts of my unworthy self, 
as I am sure you would w^ish me to explain the objects so 
near my heart. 

" On Friday evening, 1 have a lecture, to a small but 
listening people. In hay and harvest time, it is much re- 
duced. My valued friend, Mr. Barker, will afford you any 
and every information concerning parochial matters. He 
will introduce you to some of the sick, and other poor 
people ; and you will find religious conversational inter- 
course in visiting the poor, a sure road to their hearts : 
and, during my absence, no small satisfaction to mine. 

" Mr. Barker will tell you all about my new^ school 
plans, in which he is very useful to me. In all these 
things, my dear sir, you will now, for a season, be my 
substitute. Pray to God for direction ; and, after, pray 
for your absent friend. Do the work of an evangelist — 
resting on the special promises made to ministers and 
flocks. Be sincere, humble, affectionate, and earnest ; — 
keep close to the gospel of our blessed Master, in private 
and in public ; and may He comfort and strengthen you 
in all things. 

'* Be so kind to be exact in the times of commencing 
the different services. Sunday morning, at ten ; aflernoon, 
at half-past two ; evening, at six ; Friday evening, at a 
quarter before seven. Mr. Barker reads the lessons for 
me ; and will, if you do not object, do the same for you. 

" In the same spirit in which I have written to you on 
my feelings and wishes as a minister, I now, also, wish you 
to receive these expressions as a friend and a brother ; and 
to be assured, that I am, 

*« Very affectionately, and faithfully, yours, 

^•Legh IlicHJio:?vP.*- 

Hev. Mr. R. S. Turvey. 



BEV. LEGH RICHMOND. 14T 

He was also in the habit, on these- occasions, of writing 
pastoral letters to his people, to convince them that, though 
absent for a season, he was still not '.Himindtiil of their spi- 
ritual welfare. These epistles are writter. vviih much plain- 
ness of style, united with useful aJuioiiitior.s, and suitable 
references to the circumstanves of the parish. The Rev. 
Mr. Ward, the excellent minister of [ver, has long adopted 
this practice on a more extended scale, by addressing a 
yearly epistle to his parishioners, containing the substance 
of his pastoral thoughts and reflections : and we think this 
example worthy of beinsf recoinmended to general imita- 
tion ; as they are pleasmg memorials of pastoral affection 
and zeal, and seem calculated to strengthen the bond of 
union which ought ever to subsist between a minister and 
his people. We shall not now insert those of Mr. Rich- 
mond, because they contain allusions to events which we 
have not yet had the opportunity of relating, being desirous 
of presenting the reader with the various details of his pub- 
lic engagements without the interruption of other matters. 

Perhaps some may be disposed to think that the excite- 
ment and popularity of Mr. Richmond's public hfe, might 
disquahfy him for the more homely and retired duties of a 
country parish priest. 

That he returned with his mind de^ly impressed with 
the importance of the cause that he had been pleading, is 
most true ; and he endeavoured to enkindle in the breast?, 
of others, the flame which warmed and animated his own. 
He therefore drew attention to these subjects — introduced 
them into his sermons : ttescribed the state of the Heathen 
world — their idolatries — their atrocious rites ; — the burning 
of women on the funeral pile — their awful itrnorance — their 
perishing state ; and the bounden duty of Christians to send 
them that Gospel, which the mercy of God had put into 
their own hands. These communications were then no- 
vel, and excited considerable intnest. 

It has been said, that s«ich objects are too remote to en- 
gage the attention of the t* oor : aiid thru their poverty dis- 
ables them fi'om contrihuiing any thnij^ to their support. 
But the principal qualification for appreciating missions, i's^. 



148 MEMOIRS OF THE 

a sense of the worth of an immortal soul : and he who 
knows the value of his own soul, be he poor or rich, needs 
no other argument to inspire a desire to save the souls of 
others : and it must be mentioned to the honour of the 
lower classes, that they have been found to be the most va- 
luable and efficient friends of missionary exertions ; not only 
by the fervour of their prayers, but also by the amount of 
their pecuniary contributions. To many of them may be 
apphed the touching commendation of the apostle, when 
speaking of the poor disciples of Corinth — " In a great trial 
of affliction, the abundance of their joy, and their deep po- 
verty, abounded unto the riches of their liberality ; for t© 
their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power, 
they were willing of themselves ; praying us, with much in- 
treaty, that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the 
fellowship of the ministering to the saints : and this they 
did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own-selves to the 
Lord, and unto us by the will of God." — 2 Cor viii. 2 — 5. 
The people of Turvey soon expressed a desire to contri- 
bute their aid ; and a Bible and Missionary society were 
accordingly established. Mr. Richmond found the intro- 
duction of these subjects to be attended with the happiest 
effects. His people acquired more enlarged views ; they 
read their Bibles with increasing interest ; comprehended 
better the scope of prophecy, and the future spread of the 
everlasting Gospel among all the nations of the world ; they 
prayed for its accomplishment, and the cause of missions 
became dear to their hearts. There was also a re-action 
upon themselves, — they were led to a more earnest exami- 
nation of their own state before God. In reading the sim- 
^ple narratives of poor negroes mourning for their sins, or 
rejoicing in the peace and consolations of the Gospel, they 
caught the happy contagion ; they wondered to see emo- 
tions described so like their own ; discovered that the hu- 
man heart is every where the same ; and that the grace of 
God, confined to no clime or colour, can impart its saving 
influences to men of every nation^ tongue, and kindred. In 
tbmkmg of the souls of others, they became increasingly 
uitercsted for their own ; and learned to implore that gra< c 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 14J 



with renewed earnestness for iheuiselves, the transforming 
power and efficacy of which they saw, in the instance of a 
once-benighted Heathen. 

Another question may occur. 

Did his family sustain no injury by his frequent absence 

from them ? ^ ,i . ^u ^^ 

They were left in the hands of an excellent mother ; to 
whose assiduous and affectionate care, none bore a more 
willing or frequent testimony than Ptir. Richmond. J3ut 
his own ceaseless soUcitude for the welfare of his children 
will be best shown by the following letters ; together with 
c^ome valuable admonitions addressed to his daughters, and 
containing rules for their general conduct and deportment, 

" October, 1815. 

«Mv dear child, ^. u j t* 

"This may probably reach you on your birth-day. It 
is a day which should remind you of the importance of time^ 
and the swift approach of eternity. It bids you remember 
your Creator in the days of your youth f^ut, have you ever 
done so aright ? Have you seen yourself a sinner, and 
gone to the blood of Christ for pardon ? Forms and no- 
tions never yet saved a soul ; and have you, indeed, ever 
gone farther than forms aiid notions ? My child, be in 
earnest ; it is no trifle whether you have real grace or not : 
it is every thing to ascertain this point, and to act upon it. 
Do you feel a burden of sin for daily offences ? — do you re- 
pent ?— do you pray from the heart ? Suppose God were 
to see good to bring you to a bed of death, where are your 
evidences that you are really bis child ? Think in how 
many ways you have offended him in thought, word and 
deed I What but a Savioiir\s blood can wipe it away ? 

" It is full time, my dear F , that you show a de- 
cision of character, in that humble yet determined sepa- 
ration of life, which distinguishes a common (alas I too 
common,) nominally Christian child, from a child that be- 
lieves in Christ, loves God, and is taught by the Holy 
Spirit. 



il50 



MEMOIRS OF THE 



" Secret, free prayer, is a great testimony that a work 
of grace is begun. But do you thus pray ? Have you 
found out the sins into which you are the most hable to 
fall, and most easily tempted to commit. These are your 
bosom foes, and must be resisted in a different strength 
from any which you naturally possess That strength is 
only to be obtained in Christ, and by believing in him and 
him alone. Grace, free grace, reigns in every step of the 
Christian progress. Do you ever feel these things as a 
matter of uneasiness, or desire, or hope, or fear ? It will 
not satisfy me, and I liope it will not satisfy you, that you 
have had so many advantages of a Christian education, un- 
less you prove to yourself and me, that there is a work of 
the Spirit in your heart. What a delightful display the 
Lord gave us of his goodness and power, when that dear 
and beloved woman, your mother and my wife (it is my 
highest earthly privilege to call her so,), lay, as w^e thought, 
on the bed of death ! You cannot have forgotten it — no 
one that saw it ever could. But that day was a warning 
and a consolation for us; — oh! may w^e use it as both. 
But do not deceive yourself — mere natural feelings and 
meltings of heart are not enough. Sin, sin is the great 
cause of sorrow ; and therefore must you weep. Carry 
sin to Jesus, he will hide it forever from his Father's sight. 
Angels rejoice when children weep for sin. 

"Read « Little Jane:' two Sunday scholars at Man- 
chester have been converted to God this summer, by read- 
ing it — and must my own dear child heed it not ? I trust 
not. Pray, dear F , for faith and love to Jesus. Hap- 
py shall I be to hear from yourself (when it does indeed 
come from your heart,) either by letter or word of mouth, 
that you feel a true concern for your never dying souL 
And so may God give you many happy years, if it so please 
him. If not, may he take your pardoned soul to himself, 
in his own time — Love to my dear H , 

<' From her and your truly affectionate father. 

'< Tell H. that I write every word of this for her, as well 
as for you." 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 151 

''Keswick, Oct 16, 1815. 
•' My dear Daughter. 

'' The exquisite beauty and subHmity of this country al- 
most make a pen move of itself. Never did I pass so 
beautiful a day as this at the lakes. I shall sing the praises 
of October, as the loveliest of months. This morning, at 
six o'clock, I was walking on the banks of Winandermere, 
to catch a sun-rise. I had every thing 1 could wish, and 
observed the progress of day with delight. The myste- 
rious rolling of clouds across the hills announced the first 
influence of the sun. Tints the most beauteous skirted 
the eastern clouds ; those on the west, caught them as by 
sympathy. Various patches of mountains soon gleamed 
with the reflection of the yet unseen luminary : and such in- 
numerable vicissitudes of light and shade, and claro ohscuro 
filled the scene, as no tongue can utter. The Lake, in all 
its length of thirteen miles, lay beneath me, with its thirty 
islands. I heard the early lowing of the cows, the bleat- 
ing of the sheep, the neighing of the horses the twittering 
of the birds, the rustling of the breeze, the rippling of the 
water, the dashing of the oar, in a gentle kind of harmony. 
The sun advanced, and threw a blaze of magnificent lustre 
over this Paradisaical landscape. I soon crossed over the 
Lake, and passed through rich scenes of wonder and love- 
liness. I saw Coniston and Grassmere lakes, under cir- 
cumstances of pecuHar advantage. Clusters of mountains 
and lesser hills, clothed with craggs, brown fern, red lichens, 
green grass, purple heath, bushes^ barren gulleys, cascades, 
wild streaks, rolling mists, bright sunshine, &c. &c., pre- 
sented incessant variety. Hill towered above hill, Alpine 
peaks reared their heads, — groves filled the valleys, and 
cottages were sprinkled in wild profusion. 

*' I dined at a httle romantic hill, at the foot of the moun- 
tain Helvellyn. The Lake of Leatheswater extended its 
four miles' length close by. My parlour window faced the 
^reat hill — a mountain stream fell from a great height, 
tumbling with a murmuring sound down into the vale. 



152 MEMOIRS OF THE ' 

Something dimmed the pane of glass through which I 
viewed it. On inspection, I found the following hues, writ- 
ten with a diamond : — 

* Flow, mountain streamlet, swiftly flow, 
And fertilize the vale below — 
Sweet emblem of that gracious love 
Which pours down blessino^s from above 
The stream of mercy. Lord I is thine, — 
The lowly heart that feels it, mine.' 

" On another pane was written — 

' Forget not, mortal traveller, thou must die ; 
Before thy journey's end, ask, — * Where am I ?' 

*• And once more — , 

' These lovely scenes before thine eyes 
Form a terrestrial Paradise. 
But this shall quickly pass away: 
Then seek one in eternal day.' 

" Thence I advanced to Keswick. Before me stood tlie 
giants of the scenery — Skiddaw and Saddleback — in sub- 
lime beauty, not to be expressed. Their length, their 
breadth, their height, their wildness, their roughness, their 
sm.oothness, their surface, their profile, their tout ensemble, 
most grand, most interesting. At length the lakes of Der- 
wentwater and Bassenthwaites burst upon the eye with all 
the charms that painters and poets love, and which Chris- 
tians know how to love far better than either. The scene 
from a hill, a mile on the road from Keswick, so much ex- 
ceeds the powers of my pen to describe, that I can only 
say — ' How amiable are thy tabernacles^' O Lord, the 
Creator ! 

" I watched the moon decline on the lake, and then stu* 
died the whole scene by the finest star-light I ever beheld. 



. REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 



153 



Mars is now in the east, like Jupiter ; yea, bright as a 
moon. The Great Bear hangs pendant exactly over Skid- 
daw, and Mars rises triumphantly over the summit of Saddle- 
back ; the Galaxy sweeps over the hemisphere, white as 
milk, and clear as' moonlight All is solemn, silent, peace- 
ful. I write vou this faint breathing of expression. Could 
you copy these scenes I should be proud of your company 
here : I trust some day you will. 

' This morning, as I stood on an eminence, looking 
down on the exquisitely lovely lake of Grassmere, environ- 
ed by its amphitheatre of mountains, a momentary shower 
produced a rainbow ;— it extended from hill to hill, over 
the valley, and seemed like a bridge for angels to pass over 
from one district of Paradise to another : 

*' And as they pass, let angels sing 
The wonders of creation's King ; 
And while they tune their harps to praise^, 
I'd gladly catch their solemn lays ; 
Unite with theirs my feeble tongue, 
And give t6 gratitude my song." 



<'■ My dear 9 

«' Heave you, in much love, a few fatherly hints.. 

1 . Be constant in private prayer. 

2. Be wise in the choice of books ; shun every thing ot 
the romance and novel kind ; and even in poetry, keep to 
what is useful and instructive, as well as pleasant. 

3. In company, show that the principles of your father's 
house and ministry are your rule of conduct, and your real 
delight. Be consistent— cheerful but not light ; conversi- 
ble, but not trifling. 

4. Keep ever in view, that you are supportmg my cha- 
racter and cre<lit, as well as your own. 

5 Show a marked preference to such conversation, re- 
marks, persons, discussions, and occupations as may tencl 
to essential good. 



154 MEMOIRS OP THE 

6. Always think before you speak ; say and do neither 
hastily nor unadvisedly. 

7. If any proposal is ever made to you, in which you 
hesitate how to act, first say to yourself — how would God 

'have me to act ? Secondly — what would my parents have 
me to do, if they were here to advise me ? 

8. Never lose sight of this : that the more public my 
name, character, and ministry is become, the more eyes 
and ears are turned to my children's conduct ; they are ex- 
pected, in knowledge and circumspection, in religion and 
morals, in opinions and habits to show where they have 
been educated ; and to adorn, not only their Cliristian pro- 
fession, but their parents' principles. 

9. In music, prefer serious to light compositions : and 
in vocal, keep close to sacred words. 

10. Pray much for 

'* Your affectionate father, 

" Legh Richmond." 

<<P. S. J send you the following application of a ser- 
mon, from Ejjh, v. 15, 18 : — 

On circums^pection of tcalk ; redemption of time ; and 
general transparency of character 

1. Adhere most scrup»lously to tnith ; and labour t© 
preserve the strictest integrity, simplicity and sincerity. 

2. Engage in no pursuit in whirh you cannot look up 
unto God, and say, " Bless me in this, O my Father!'' 

3. Strive to be a> kind, forbearing and forgiving as yoU 
can, both to friends and foes. 

4. Never speak evil of any one, on any pretence what- 
ever. 

5. Strive to recoinmerd reli-jion by the courtesy, civility^ 
and condescendincr charact'^r of yovir conduct. 

6. Watch against irritation, }>usitiveness, unkind speak- 
ing, and anger : study and promote love. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 155 

7. Mortify lusts, sensuality, and sloth. 
. 8. Never allow others to speak well of you ; nor espe- 
cially yourself, to say or think any thing of yourself, but as 
poorly done. Keep down pride ; let it not be indulged 
for a moment, and watch against it. 

9. Shut out evil im^ginatioris, and angry thoughts. 

10. Let it be your sole business here to prepare for 
eternity. Consider every moment of time in that view. 

11. Remember that you have to contend with a legion 
of devils — a heart full of deceit and iniquity, and a world 
at enmity with God. 

12 Pray you may ever rejoice in the advancement of 
Christ's kingdom, and the salvation of sinners : and labour 
in every way to promote these objects. 

" Prayer is the only weapon which can slay your lusts, 
and keep your evidences bright. Cultivate prayer." 

** To my Daughters :* 

" Wit^ a heart full of affection. I sit down to express 
a fevi sentiments and intimations of my wishes, as connect- 
ed with your conduct, in the course of any journey, or 
absence from home. I wish each of you to preserve a 
copy of it, my dear children, and often look at it ; take it 
with you when from home, and keep it safe when at home. 
" Independently of my anxious wishes for your secret, 
spiritual welfare, I have much to feel on my own account, 
in point of credit and character as connected with your 
deportment, in every house and company into which I may 
introduce 3'ou. I have not a doubt of your general affec- 
tionate wish to speak and act right ; but, inexperience, 
youth, thoughtlessness, and want of more acquaintance 
with the world carnal, and the world religious, may easily 
occasion inconsistencies and errors which might he inju- 
rious to your own, as well as to my comfort and credit. 

* With great pleasure, we call the special attention of both pa- 
rents and children, to the judicious, valuable, and Christian advice, 
contained in this letter to his daughters. — A. E. 



156 IdEMOIRS OF THE 

Accept, therefore, a father's blessings and prayers, with a 
father's chapter of admonitions and explanations. 

" You are not unaware, that my natne and character 
have acquired much publicity, — that I avowedly belong to 
a class of Christian ministers, who profess, for Christ's 
and their souls' sakes, to be separate from the world — to 
maintain purer and more distinct views of the Scripture 
doctrine — and to be willing to spend and be spent in behalf 
of the truth, as it is in Jesus. I am, therefore, supposed 
not only to maintain a consistent separation from the fol- 
lies and vices of the world, its pomps and vanities, but to 
aim at so ruling and guiding my household, that my princi- 
ples may shine forth in their conduct. Any want of cor- 
rectness, consistency, faithfulness, and propriety in them, 
will always attach a mixture of censure surprise, and con- 
cern, as it regards me. The friends of religion will grieve, 
and those who are otherwise will rejoice, if you could be 
drawn into compliances, and expressions of sentiment, at 
variance with your father's ; always, therefore, keep in re- 
membrance, whether you are in company with decidedly 
religious and consistent Christians, or with those who arc 
only partially so, or with those who are not so, (unhappily) 
at all, — that you have not only your own peace of con- 
science to maintain, but the estimation and honour of 
your parent also.^ 

" Many temptations will occur, to induce you to yield 
and conform to habits and principles, the very reverse of 
those which you hear me supporting- both in the pulpit 
and the parlour. Be not ashamed of firmly, though mo- 
destly, in such cases, resisting them. State what mine 
and your principles are, and heed not the momentary un- 

* Should any one think, there is too prominent a regard expressed 
for his own reputation, in the advice and admonition he gives his 
children, let such an objector compare Mr. Richmond's feelings 
with those of the apostle, in adverting to the conduct of his spirit- 
ual children : — '^ Lest, when I come again, my God, will humble 
me amongst you, and that I should bewail many who have sinned 
already," &c. 2 Cor. xii. 21. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 157 

pleasantness of appearing singular, when conscience and 
duty require it. lou may easily say, ' My father does not 
approve of such and such things, neither can I.' No 
person, whose estimation is worth having, will think the 
worse of you, for such instances of mild, but decisive 
firmness ; and, without it, T should be disgraced. 

"All descriptions of public amusements, novels, popular 
amorous poems, plays, songs, vanities, and finery, and all 
the sad tribe of poisonous and dangerous pursuits, should 
be regulated by this principle ; and O, that your own sim- 
plicity and love to Christ, may never give way to one sad 
influence of false sentiment, even amongst those whom, on 
other accounts, we may esteem and regard. The half- 
religious are ofl;en more dangerous than those who arc 
less so ; because, we are more on our guard in the latter 
case than the former. The great number of instances in 
which I have seen the young people of religious families 
deeply injured in their spirits and habits, by much visiting 
with persons of different views and customs from those of 
their own household, has made me, I confess, from pure 
motives of conscience and prudence, very averse to much 
of that sort of visiting in my own children's case, which I 
know to have been productive of bad consequences in 
others. And the difficulty of drawing the line has always 
appeared very great with my numerous friends and ac- 
quaintance. Still, I wish to make you happy in every 
reasonable way ; and I am glad when I can give you the 
advantage of new scenes and company, when it is of the 
right sort. But, as in my journeys, extensive intercourse 
takes place, a great variety of characters will fall in your 
way ; and I wish, for all your sakes, that you may be pro- 
vided with sober, discreet, and religious cautions, that the 
natural ardour of youth may not lead you into unbecoming 
or sinful compliances. I know many families, and you 
know a few, where, perhaps, the parents are religious, 
but their young people are very imperfectly, if at all so ; 
in such cases, you may, from equality of age, be thrown 
much more into the light, frivolous and objectionable con- 

15 



158 MEMOIRS OF THE 

versation of the younger, instead of the more useful com- 
munications of the elders of the family. Here, often, 
there is danger ; ever prefer and choose those, of what- 
ever age, in whom you think you discover a holy, serious, 
benevolent, consistent way of acting and speaking. 

" A young professor of religion has not, in most in- 
stances, so difficult a task to sustain, when in conversation 
with those of a decidedly religious deportment, as with 
worldly persons, and those who can scarcely be ranked as 
consistently serious, although often to be met with in reli- 
gious parties. If, however, your conscience be correct, 
you will see more and more the duty of acting and speak- 
ing aright, and you must ever pray for grace to direct and 
govern you. Difficulties and dangers of this kind, greatly 
multiply when those who, from relationship and family re- 
gard, stand very near to natural love and affection, are, ne- 
vertheless, in great measure, strangers to the power of 
true religion, and, therefore, mingle with the w^orld wholly, 
pursue its pleasures,- and support its customs. I intreat 
you to be much on your guard in all such cases. Decays 
in religious feeling and conduct, continually arise from this 
source, and endanger the temporal, spiritual, and eternal 
welfare of many a hopeful family. 

'• I am frequently placed in situations myself, where I 
find it very difficult to satisfy my conscience that I am doing 
right, among people and families where real rehgion has 
little or no part in their ways and conversation. In trying 
to be kind, attentive, and too compliant, perhaps, to their 
habits, I feel that I am in great danger of strengthening 
them in evil, and always of injuring my own consistency 
as a Christian. 

" I will now add some remarks, placed under select 
heads, which may make them more conspicuous, and better 
remembered : and may God render them useful to you ! 
Keep them constantly with you, and let them be always 
read over, at least, once a week. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 159 

AMUSEMENTS. 

Plays, balls, public concerts, cards, private dances, 
&c. &c. 

Serious, consistent Christians must be against these 
things, because the dangerous spirit of the world and the 
flesh is in them all : they are the " pomps and vanities of 
this wicked world," so solemnly renounced at baptism. 
To be conformed to these seductive and more than frivo- 
lous scenes, is to be conformed to this world, or to be op*- 
posed to the character and precepts of Christ. They that 
see no harm in these things are spiritually blind ; and they 
who will not hear admonition against them are spiritually 
deaf. Shun, my girls, the pleasures of sin, and seek those 
which are at God's right hand for evermore. You cannot 
love both 

Blessed be God, you have been kept far from those, who 
make such recreations their idols to wean their hearts from 
God. Never in any conversation, speak lightly or triflingly 
of these subjects, as if you had not imbibed proper senti- 
ments concerning them. Ever preserve the consistency 
of your parental house and principles. 

BOOKS. 

Characters are speedily discerned by their choice of 
books. — Novels in prose, I need not now forbid ; ignorant 
as you are of their bad tendency by experience, you, I am 
persuaded, trust me on that head, and will never sacrifice 
time, affection, or attention to them. But beware of novels 
in verse. Poets are more dangerous than prose wnters, 

when their principles are bad. Were Lord B no 

better poet than he is a man, he might have done little 
harm ; but when a bad man is a good poet, and makes his 
good poetry the vehicle of his bad sentiments, he does mis- 
chief by wholesale. Do not be ashamed of having never 
read the fashionable poem of the day. A Christian has no 
time, and should have no inclination for any reading that 
has no real tendency to improve the heart. The finest 
rule I ever met with in regard to the choice of books, is 



160 ' MEMOIRS OF THE 

this : — " Books are good or bad in their effects, as they 
make us relish the word of God, tlie more or the less, after 
we have read them." There are too many valuable books 
on a variety of subjects, which ought to be read, to allow 
of time to be dedicated to unworthy and useless ones. 

MUSIC. 

Shun all the wretched folly and corruption of light, silly, 
and amorous songs, on the same principle that you would 
shun books of the same nature. Sacred music is the true 
refuge of the Christian musician. I wish your ears, your 
hearts, and your tongues were oflener tuned to such melo- 
dies. The playhouse, the opera, and the concert-room 
have deluged the world with the abuses of the heavenly art 
of music. Music was designed to lead the soul to heaven, 
but the corruption of man has greatly perverted the merci- 
ful intention. Do not you belong to such perverters, nor 
seem to take pleasure in those who do. 

PRESS. 

Aim at great neatness and simplicity. Shun finery and 
show% 

Be not in haste to follow new fashions. 

Remember, that with regard to dress, Christians ought 
to be decidedly plainer, and less showy than the people of 
the world. I wish it to be said of the females of my house, 
^' with what evident and becoming simplicity are the daugh- 
ters of Simplex* attired." 

BEHAVIOUR IN C03IPA1NY. 

Be cheerful, but not gigglers. 
Be serious, but not dull. 
—Be communicative, but not forward. 
Be kind, but not servile. 

In every company, support your own and your father s 
principles by cautious consistency. 

* Mr. Richmond's signature in the * Christian Guardian/ 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 161 

Beware of silly thoughtless speeches : although you may 
forget them, others will not. 

Remember God's eye is in every place, and his ear in 
every companyr-'^ 

Beware of levity and famiharity with young men ; a mo- 
dest reserve, without affectation, is the only safe path — 
grace is needful here ; ask for it ; you know where. 

JOURNEYINGS. 

Cultivate knowledge as you travel : — 

History, antiquities, — in cities, towns, churches, castles, 
ruins, &c. 

Natural history, — in plants, earths, stones, minerals, ani- 
mals, 6lc. 

Picturesque taste, — in landscape scenery and all its 
boundless combinations. 

Cultivate good-humoured contentment, in all the little 
(jnconveniences incident to inns, roads, weather, &c. 

Cultivate a deep and grateful sense of the power, wis- 
dom, and goodness of God, in creation and providence, as 
successively presented to your notice from place to place. 

Keep diaries and memoranda of daily events, places, 
persons, objects, conversations, sermons, public meetings, 
beauties, wonders, and mercies, as you travel. Be minute 
and faithful. 

Ask many questions of such as can afford useful informa- 
tion as to what you see. 

Write your diary daily ; — delays are very prejudicial. 
♦/ You owe a diary to yourself, to your friends left at home. 
I and to your father, who gives you the pleasure and profit 
\ of the journey. 

PRAYER. 

Strive to preserve a praying mind through the day ; not 
f only at the usual and stated periods, but every where, and 

( at all times, and in all companies. This is your best pre- 

\ servative against error, weakness, and sin. 
V 15* 



Hi2 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Always think yourselves in the midst of temptations , 
and never more so, than virhen most pleased with outward 
objects and intercourse. 

--Pray and watch ; for if the spirit be willing, yet the flesh 
is deplorably weak. 

RELIGION. 

Keep ever in mind, that, for your own sake and for my 
sake, you have a religious profession to sustain ; and this 
both in serious and worldly company. Be firm and con- 
sistent in them both. Many eyes and ears are open, to 
observe what my children say and do, and will be, wherever 
we go. Pray to be preserved from errors, follies, and of- 
fences, which bring an evil name upon the ways of God. 
You may sometimes hear ridicule, prejudice, and censure 
assail the friends of true religion — it ever was, and will be 
so :. '* but blessed are they who are persecuted for righteous- 
ness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Be not 
ashamed of Christ here, and he will not be ashamed of 
you hereafter. 

Court and encourage serious conversation with those 
who are truly serious and conversible ; and do not go into 
valuable company without endeavouring to improve by the 
intercourse permitted to you. Nothing is more unbecom- 
ing, when one part of a company is engaged in profitable 
and interesting conversation, than that another part should 
be trifling, giggling, and talking comparative nonsense to 
each other. 

Ever show the interest which you take in the subjects of 
schools for the poor, the distribution of tracts, the Bible 
and Missionary Societies, and all those important topics 
which so deeply occupy the people of God : and when you 
can find a congenial friend, talk of heaven and eternity^ 
and your soul and your Saviour. This will be as a shield 
to your head and your heart. 



EEV. LEGH RICHMOND. 163 

ESTIMATE OF CHARACTERS. 

Look first for grace. Do not disesteem good people on 
account of their foibles, or deficiencies in matters of little 
importance. Gold unpolished, is far more valuable than 
the brightest brass. Never form unfavourable opinions of 
religious people hastily, — '' Charity hopeth all things." 
Prize those families where you find constant family prayer ; 
and suspect evil and danger, where it is avowedly un- 
known and unpractised. Always remember the astonish- 
ing difference between the true followers of Jesus, and the 
yet unconverted world, and prize them accordingly, what- 
ever be their rank in society. 

Gentility and piety form a happy union ; but poverty and 
piety are quite as acceptable in the eyes of God, — and so 
they ought to be in ours. Not only are the poor far more 
in actual number than the rich, but experience proves that 
the proportionate number of the truly serious among the 
poor is much greater than the corresponding proportion of 
numbers among the rich. Take 1000 poor and 100 rich ; 
you will probably find ten of the latter serious : but 200 of 
the former shall be so at the same time. 

Beware of critical hearing of sermons preached by good 
men. It is an awful thing to be occupied in balancing the 
merits of a preacher, instead of the demerits of yourself. 
Consider every opportunity of hearing as a message sent 
you from heaven. For all the sermons you have heard, 
you will have to render an account at the last day. 

PARENTS. 

Seek to make them happy in you. 

If you perceive that any thing in your ways makes them 
otherwise, you ought to have no peace until you have coi:- 
rected it : and if you find yourself indifferent or insen- 
sible to their will and wishes, depend upon it yours is 
a carnal, disobedient, ungrateful heart. If you love them, 
keep their commandments ; otherwise love is a mere 
word in the mouth, or a notion in the fancy, but not 
a ruling principle in the heart. They know much of the 
world* you very little : trust them therefore, when they 



164 MEMOIRS OF THE 

differ from you and refuse compliance with your de- 
sires, — they watch over you for God, and are entitled to 
great deference and cheerful obedience. You may easily 
shorten the lives of affectionate and conscientious parents 
by misconduct, bad tempers, and alienation from their in* 
, junctions. Let not this sin be laid to your charge. 
\ " I shall add no more at present, than that I am 
" Your affectionate father, 

L. Richmond.'* 



CHAPTER X. 

Publication of Ms Tracts, — Review of them, — Their great 
popularity and extensive circulation, ^c. — American edi- 
tions, — Remarks on the subject, — Mr. Richmond's con- 
nexion with the Tract Society, 

DuEI^'G Mr. Richmond's residence in the Isle of Wight, 
some interesting events occurred, connected with his mi- 
nistry, which he first made known to the pubUc through the 
medium of the * Christian Guardian.' These communica- 
tions having excited much attention, he was afterward in- 
duced to publish them in the form of tracts, of which the 
first that made its appearance was " the Dairyman's 
Daughter." " The Negro Servant," and " the Young 
Cottager, or Little Jane," successively followed ; and 
finally, in the year 1814, they were united into one volume^ 
under the title of" Annals of the Poor" with the following 
appropriate motto, from Gray : — 

" Let not ambition mock their useful toil, 
Their homely joys and destiny obscure ; 
Nor grandeur hear with a disdainful smile, 
The short and simple annals of the poor." 

His " Dairyman's Daughter" rapidly acquired an unex- 
ampled celebrity. It was read with an avidity that required 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 165 

successive editions to satisfy the demands of the public, 
and soon became the most popular tract of the day. The 
author, from the generous motive of ensuring to it a more 
extended usefulness, was induced to present it to the Reli- 
gious Tract Society, by whom it was immediately trans- 
lated into the French and Italian languages. The writer 
of this Memoir well remembers a circumstance connected 
with this celebrated tract, which he will here mention. He 
was taken by Mr. Richmond, in the year 1811, to attend 
a committee meeting of the Tract Society, when one of 
the members rose up, and observed that as he came with 
the full intention of submitting to them the motion in his 
hand, he hoped he should not violate the delicacy of its au- 
thor, by proposing, that the tract of " the Dairyman's 
Daughter," the merit of which had been so generally re- 
cognised, should be translated into the German, Swedish 
and Danish languages. Another member then rose and 
said that he trusted he should be excused for adding an 
Amendment to the motion, by recommending that the 
above tract be translated into all the European languages, 
as far as means and apportunities might occur for that pur- 
pose. The resolution was unanimously carried in this 
amended form. The tract has since been translated into 
most of the Continental languages. It has also obtained a 
wide circulation in America : the Old and the New World 
have alike stamped it with the seal of popular approbation. 
At home, several editions of 20,000 copies each were 
printed within a very short period, and the copies which 
have been circulated in the English language alone, to the 
present time, are supposed to have been between one and 
two millions.** It has found its way to the palaces of kings,t 

•* Of this tract the American Society have within three years 
published sixty thousand copies, and it is estimated that not less than 
one hundred and forty thousand copies of this tract have been 
printed in the United States. A. E. 

t A copy was presented by the Rev. Mr. Paterson to the late 
Emperor of Russia, the circumstances of which we shall soon mea- 
tion. 



166 



MEMOIRS OF THE 



and been seen in the hut of the Indian.* Its author waf« 
informed of thirty instances in which it was acknowledged 
to have been instrumental ro the conversion of its readers, 
of whom one was a female convict at Botany Bay. The 
last instance of its usefulijess was communicated to him 
only within twenty-four hoars of his decease ; and from its 
peculiarity deserves to be mentioned. 

A clergyman, who ha^l conceived a violent antipathy 
against the Rehgious Tract Society and all its publications, 
was induced to select * the Dairyman's Daughter,' for the 
purpose of criticising and exposing its defects. In the pe- 
rusal of it he was, however, so arrested by the interest of 
the story, and so penetrated by the power of the religious 
truths it contained, that the pen of criticism dropped from 
his hand, prejudice was charmed into admiration, and he 
was added, as another trophy of that grace which had 
shone so brightly in the life and death of the Dairyman's 
Daughter. 

After what we have stated, we may justly inquire, to 
what are we to attribute the great popularity of this 
tract ? 

No doubt, the happy union of interest and simplicity in 
the 3tory, the graces of its style, and the beautiful imagery 
of its descriptions, have rendered it attractive to every rea- 
der ; but the stamp of truth and reality which marks its 
details, and the expression of feelings which find a response 
in every awakened mind, constitute its principal charm. It 
is needless, however, to prove the excellence of a tract, of 
which four millions of copies have been circulated in the 
nineteen languages into which it has been translated ; or 
to addnce testimonies to their usefulness, which have been 
already printed in almost every report of the Tract Society ,l 
in addition to numerous instances privately received b^ M*. 

* A copy was seen by a traveller in the hut of a North American 
Indian. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 167 

Richmond, and which are frequently alluded to in his 
letters.* 

A suspicion has been expressed by some, as to the entire 
genuineness of the tract of the Dairyman's Daughter, ari- 
sing from an idea that the language and sentiments of her 
letters were far beyond the capacity of persons in that situa- 
tion of life. The writer of this Memoir once entertained 
the same doubt ; and as it tended greatly to diminish the in- 
terest and profit which he would otherwise have found in 
the perusal of the tract, he some years ago ventured to ex- 
press his feelings to Mr. Richmond, who, in consequence, 
produced some of her letters, which were carefully examin- 
ed ; and the result was, that no alteration was found to 
have been made, except the correction of the spelling, and 
the occasional change of a single word, for one which bet- 
ter expressed her meaning. 

In further confirmation of the genuine character of 
these interesting narratives, we lay before the reader a let- 
ter addressed to the Rev. Mr. Fry, by a highly respectable 
gentleman, who was connected for many years with Mr. 
Richmond as a friend and parishioner. 

*' Turvey Abbey, Feb. 21, 1828. 

" My dear Sir, 

<' The conversation we had together the other day, re- 
specting the interesting tract called ' The Dairyman's 
Daughter,' induced me to request a sight of the original 
letters. 

" I own that I could not dismiss from my mind, when I 
formerly read the tract, that our friend had improved the 
young woman's letters according to his own amiable and 
pious feelings, and it was not without pleasure and surprise 
1 found, on the perusal of the originals, that they were in 
every respect as he had given them ; with the exception of 

* Copious extracts from his tracts were here inserted, but are 
now omitted, because of their very general circulation in this coun- 
try. A.E. 



168 MEMOIRS OF THE 

the bad spelling, and the unnecessary use of capital letters, 
which he had corrected, and a word which was here and 
there added or omitted, to make the young woman's mean- 
ing more plain and intelligible. This latter alteration, 
however, of rare occurrence, and such as was not only al- 
lowable, but necessary. 

*« I think it would be advisable to advert to this circum- 
stance in Mr. Richmond's Memoir, as it is possible that 
others may labour under the same mistake with myself. 

" I trust the mention of the defect of her letters will not 
weaken the effect of the young woman's sincere piety, as 
she herself frequently lamented her want of ability to write 
and spell correctly. 

" I am, my dear Sir, 

" Yours very sincerely, 

" John Higgins/' 

As to the facts of the story, the writer is able to offer a 
very satisfactory proof of their correctness. The Rev. 
Mr. Hughes, one of the estimable secretaries of the British 
and Foreign Bible Society, visited tlie spot, in company 
with another friend, where this interesting young woman 
formerly resided, and interrogated the brother (who had 
read the tract,) whether the circumstances of the story 
were precisely the same as they are there related ? To 
this he replied, there was only one fact that was misrepre- 
sented. Being asked, with some degree of anxiety, what 
that fact was, he observed, that Mr. Richmond had descri- 
bed a vine trained near the side of the window, whereas^ if 
was not a vine, but an apple-tree. If historic truth had 
never been more seriously violated than in this instance, 
the credibility of facts would seldom have been impeached. 
Seven cities would not have contended for the honour of 
Homer's birth. The Trojan war would not have been the 
subject of a grave literary discussion ; nor would the sup- 
posed antiquity of the Chinese empire have furnished the 
infidel wits of France with an occasion to question the au- 
thority of the Mosaic statement. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 169 

We have thought it important to adduce these testi' 
monies to the character of Mr. Richmond's tracts, being 
aware of a disposition in the minds of some to identify 
them with a class of publications which profess to convey 
religious truth under the garb of fiction. We do not mean 
to discuss the propriety of such a vehicle of instruction ; 
but we wish to distinguish these publications from the wri- 
tings of our friend, who sought his materials, not in the re- 
gions of fancy, but in the less questionable sources of fact 
and reality. We consider Mr. Richmond to have been ex- 
celled by no writer in this species of composition. To a 
style simple, elegant, and full of pathos, he united a spirit 
of Christian love, which transfused its sweetness into every 
thought and expression ; and his imagination, rich and 
powerful, being purified by " a live coal from the altar," 
was consecrated in all its varied exercises, to the glory of 
God and the true interests of man. While, if his fancy 
sparkled with the beautiful tints of the rainbow, it was 
only to fix the gaze of the admirer on the heavenly world. 

We cannot conclude these remarks without adverting to 
two editions of the * Dairyman's Daughter,' published in 
America ; the one by the Philadelphia Sunday and Aduli 
School Union, and the other by the New England Tfact 
Society, at Boston. 

On comparing these editions with the English copies of 
the same work, we were surprised to find numerous in- 
stances of omission or alteration. The American editions 
differ from each other, as welt as from the English tract. 
Surely an author and the public have a right °to expect 
from an editor a faithful adherence to the original ; or, at 
least, that he should apprise the reader of alterations, and 
assign a reason for making them. But, in the instance 
before us, the foreign tracts, though they bear the name ol" 
Mr. Richmond, are far from being his own work. The 
first letter of the Dairyman's daughter, which contains her 
rehgious principles, is wholly omitted ; the interesting fact 
relatmg to the burial service, is suppressed ; no less than 
nineteen pages of the narrative are removed ; and, in 

IB 



170 MEMOIRS or THE 

short, there are so many omissions, transpositions, and al- 
terations, that the reader would, with difficulty, recognise 
the real features of the character of the pious daughter of 
the Dairyman. We cannot but complamof this gross mu- 
tilation of our friend's interesting memoir, as an imposition 
on the reader, and an injustice to the author's reputation. 

Without intending to impugn the integrity of our Ame- 
rican brethren, or to assign motives for their conduct, we 
must express our regret ; considering, as we do, such in- 
terpolations and false presentments, to be both injurious to 
the memory of an author, a misrepresentation of his prin- 
ciples, and an interference with his design, by no means 
consistent with fair and honourable feeling ; and we cannot 
but hope, that the evil complained of, will be corrected in 
subsequent editions. The justness of these remarks must 
plead our excuse, (if any be needful,) for their introduc- 
tion in this place.^ 

* Concerning the two editions of which the biographer com- 
plains, we know nothing. We have, however, been led carefully 
to compare the Dairyman's Daughter, as published by the Ameri- 
can Tract Society, with two editions published by the London Re- 
ligious Tract Society, of which Mr. Richmond was a Secretary ; — 
and we are happy in being able to assure the public, that there is 
no cause of complaint against that edition. It is, indeed, an 
abridgment ; but so careful have the committee been, that in no 
instance is there an alteration in the language, which at all affects 
either the style or sentiments of the author. The alterations are 
such as were unavoidable in connecting paragraphs and preserving 
the unity of the narrative. The omissions are principally descrip- 
tions of natural scenery, and the reflections of Mr. R. The narra- 
tive is entirely preserved. The fact relative to the burial service, 
is inserted in page 7. The letter, containing the religious princi- 
ples of the Dairyman's Daughter, is omitted, as the same senti- 
ments are fully set forth in the conversations recorded in the narra- 
tive. To have published the whole, would have made a tract of 
50 or 60 pages — would have greatly increased the expense, and, 
consequently, greatly limited its circulation. Before the publica- 
tion of the tract in its present form, it was approved by a commit- 
tee of five clergymen, of different denominations. Of this com- 
mittee, the Rev, Dr. Milnor represents the Episcopalian in erest. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 171 

*' A very useful method," says Archbishop Seeker, "ol' 
spreading the knowledge of religion, is by distributing, or 
procurini,^ to be distributed, such pious books, especially to 
the poorer sort, as are best suited to their capacities and 
circumstances. Much good may be done in this way, to 
considerable numbers at once, in a more acceptable man- 
ner, for a trifling expense." 

With similar views and sentiments to those expressed 
ty the venerable Archbishop, a number of pious persons, 
more than twenty years ago, formed an association, which 
they called " The Religious Tract Society " Publications 
like those of Mr. Richmond, could not fail to attract the 
notice of such an institution : and his well-known libera-^ 
lity, together with the high estimation in which his charac- 
ter was held, induced the committee of that society to 
make proposals to him, of becoming one of their secreta- 
ries. At that time, the institution had no church-repre- 
sentative, though the committee was composed of person^ 
of all denominations. The secretaries were, the Rev. 
Joseph Hughes, and the Rev. Dr. Steinkopf, well known 
from their connexion with the British and Foreign Bible 
Society. By the accession of Mr. Richmond, it was justly 
expected that the society would derive increased wisdona 
in its councils, and vigour and unity in its operations. The 
editor well remembers the circumstances of this applica- 
tion, and the reasons which induced Mr. Richmond to ac- 

We have, also, compared it with the edition of the Dairyman's 
Daughter, published by the Protestant Episcopal Tract Society, of 
New- York; and, we find this latter tract still more abridged and 
altered, than is the edition of the American Tract Society. 

It is proper to add, that the two editions of the London Society 
differ very much from each other, both as to language and matter. 
If Mr. Grinshawe compared the American editions with the edition 
published by the London Society, he would see cause of complaint. 
But if, on the other hand, he should compare them with the London 
edition, of 1812, from which they were republished, he would ra- 
ther admire the candour with which they were abridged, and the 
very strict regard which v/as paid to the language of the author,— 
Am. Ed. 



ITiJ MEMOIRS OF THE 

cept the secretaryship. It was an offer which required 
serious dehberation. On the one hand, Mr. Richmond 
considered that a strong prejudice was known to exist 
against the society, not only among the enemies of true 
piety, but also among some of its friends, it was suppo- 
sed to consist almost exclusively of Dissenters, and its 
tracts were regarded with jealousy and suspicion. To 
accept this offer, he feared, might identify him with dissent 
(though he was ever warmly attached to the doctrines and 
discipline of his own church,) and might endanger his 
usefulness in the legitimate field of his labours. On the 
other hand, he recognised in the institution many claims to 
his regard. Its object was the same which lay near to his 
own heart, — the circulation of tracts, and the revival of 
the doctrines of the Reformation. He saw in the con- 
nexion, an opportunity of extending his usefulness ; and 
certain pledges and securities seemed all that was wanting, 
to allow of the co-operation of a conscientious churchman. 
He thought, that under the sanction of a sufficient guaran- 
tee against the introduction of peculiarities, there was no 
just reason for his refusal of the office proposed to him ; 
and that by his acceptance of the secretaryship, he might 
even promote the interests of his own church, by prevent- 
ing the circulation of tracts hostile to her opinions ; as 
well as advance the common cause of true religion. The 
required guarantee was given : Mr. Richmond accepted 
the proposal of the Tract Society ; and, from that period 
to the day of his death, he had no reason to complain that 
the engagement was violated in a single instance. 

Mr. Richmond's decision may give occasion to a differ- 
efice of opinion. By some he may be censured, — by most 
persons his conduct will be approved and admired. Those 
who consider a union with Dissenters, under any circum- 
stances, as a virtual surrender of principle, and a violation 
of ecclesiastical discipline, will condemn his connexion with 
the Tract Society ; but we have never been convinced that 
g, union on common ground with any part of the family of 
Christ, is an act of treason against our own church. The 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 173 

union requires not a surrender ofpinncipk, but of prejudice : 
it requires no compromise of forms, — but it does require a 
j ust estimation of the essential truths of salvation. We con- 
fess it has ever appeared to us a strange inconsistency, that 
the most violent opponents to the union of true Christians, 
upon common principles, should themselves have united 
with Lutherans, and employed them as their agents to plant 
churches, and disseminate religious knowledge, and that 
for a long period of time ^ though, in disciphne wholly, and 
partly in doctrine, those agents differ from their own estab- 
lishment. 

From this vindication of our friend, we turn to the im- 
portant results of the Tract Society. Every part of the 
-globe has been the scene of its operations ; and from every 
part of the globe the most pleasing testimonies of approba- 
tion and usefulness have been received. Bishops and arch- 
bishops, emperors and kings, ministers of the Reformed, 
and even of the Roman Catholic church, have been loud in 
its praises. We regret that the limits of this Memoir will 
not allow us to insert numerous interesting proofs of the 
Divine favour, attendant on the publications of the Society. 
We must refer the reader to the summary of proceedings for 
the last twenty years, published in one volume, by the Tract 
Society, and which contains a most satisfactory vindication 
of the character of the tracts, and the design of the institu- 
tion. 

We have purposely omitted numerous testimonies to the 
usefulness of Mr. Richmond's tracts, received from almost 
every part of Great Britain, as well as from many foreign 
countries (so numerous, indeed that they would fill several 
chapters,) lest we should seem to depart from that Christian 
modesty so conspicuous in the character of their author. 
We hope the candid reader will pardon what the warmth of 
our affection has dictated ; and the more readily, when he 
remembers that all that we have said of the man, magnifies 
the grace of God which was in him, and wrought effec- 
tually by him. 

16* 



174 



AIEMOIRS OF THK 



CHAPTER XL 

iMade chaplain to the Duke of Kent, — 3Ii^s. Richmond'' s ill- 
ness, — New school-room, — Report of his son's death, — 
Embarrassment on account of '' the Fathers of the Eng- 
lish Church,^^ — Interview with the Emperor of Russia, — 
Letters to and from his Imperial Majesty, — Princess 
Metstchersky, — Letters to Mrs. Livius, — Verses written 
on the marriage of a friend's daughter. 

Among the distinguished characters who gave the sanc- 
tion of their rank and influence to the public institutions of 
Our country, his late Royal Highness the Duke of Kent 
is pre-eminently entitled to our grateful remembrance. 
Every religious and benevolent undertaking found in him a 
powerful friend and patron. He was the avowed advocate 
of the British and Foreign Bible Society. He was the pa- 
tron also of the Society for promoting Christianity among 
the Jews. He usually attended, and took the chair, at the 
anniversaries of the numerous public charities in the city ol' 
London ; on which occasions Mr. Richmond often met his 
Royal Highness, and by the intervention of a common 
friend, became one of his chaplains. 

In the discharge of his functions, Mr. Richmond was 
frequently required to officiate at the palace. On one ol' 
these occasions, the Duke and Duchess and their retinue 
were all present. His Royal Highness heard Mr. Rich- 
mond's sermon with profound attention ; and when the 
service was concluded, he was pleased to express his appro- 
bation of the impressive, scriptural, and faithful truths he 
had heard ; adding, that he fully concurred in their impor- 
tance, and wished to feel their influence. At the same time 
he inquired how he had attained so remarkable a fluency in 
the expression of his ideas ; and asked whether his discourse 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 175 

had been committed to memory. Mr. Richmond replied 
in the negative ; and said that he usually committed to pa- 
per a few leading heads of his subject, but he modestly as- 
cribed his ready utterance to the effect of habit. His 
Royal Highness expressed a hope that he would preach at 
the palace whenever he came to town ; and added, " you 
must converse, Sir with the Duchess on these subjects, for 
she understands them far better than I do." 

On the evening of that day, Mr. Richmond received a 
polite request from the Duke of Kent, that he would send 
him the notes from which he had preached in the morning. 
A discussion had taken place at the palace, on the subject 
of Mr. Richmond's extempore preaching ; and it had been 
said, that no man could preach so accurately, as well as 
fluently, without large and copious notes. 

The notes, on inspection, were found to occupy a very 
small space ; and we mention this little anecdote as another 
proof of that talent in extempore preaching for which he 
was remarkable. 

Mr. Richmond continued to be honoured with the uni- 
form marks of his Royal Highness's esteem and regard. 
And when that solemn event occurred, which was mourn- 
ed by the nation at large, and by the friends of religion 
and humanity in particular, Mr. Richmond was one of 
those who followed his royal patron to the grave. There, 
as well as in various parts of the kingdom, where his pub- 
lic exertions called him, he heard many a testimony to the 
virtues, the zeal and benevolence of this beloved and vene- 
rated prince. Testimonies like these are instructive to the 
living, while they are honourable to the dead. They prove 
that, in this country, whenever exalted rank is adorned with 
corresponding virtues, and consecrated to high and noble 
ends, it never fails to obtain the best of all kinds of ho- 
mage — the homage of the heart. 

About this time, Mr. Richmond was visited with a do- 
mestic event which threatened the most distressing conse- 
quences, Mrs. Richmond, after having given birth to 



176 MEMOIRS OF THE 

another child, and being apparently recovered from the ef- 
fects of her confinement, was attacked by a dangerous ill- 
ness, occasioned, as was supposed, by a severe cold. The 
symptoms became very alarming, a high fever followed, and 
after the utmost exertion of medical skill, and the most 
unremitting attention, her recovery was declared to be hope- 
less. 

The suddenness of this shock to the feelings of Mr. 
Richmond, who had long known her value, both as a wife 
and a mother, and the tender age of most of his cl)ildren, 
gave to this dispensation the poignancy of the severest trial. 
Never can the writer forget the impressions made on his 
own mind at that period. In the expectation of her im- 
mediate dissolution, she had taken leave of all the members 
of her family. A very few of their more intimate friends 
were permitted to see her on this occasion, and he was in- 
cluded in the number. • On entering the room with another 
endeared friend, to pay this mournful visit, he was surpri- 
sed to see an expression of joyful feeling on the counte- 
nance of the wife, and a calm and delightful serenity de- 
picted on that of the husband. He could not help exclaim- 
ing, — Is this the chamber of death ? Death was so strip- 
ped of its terrors, and rehgion so surrounded with all its 
consolations, that the place looked more like the portals of 
heaven, than the gloomy vestibule of the tomb. The tri- 
umph of faith in the dying wife seemed to support the 
otherwise afflicted husband ; and to impart to him a cor- 
responding elevation of ff eling. He forgot for the moment 
his own sorrows in her j s ; his own loss in her gain ; and 
did not wish to arrest h r expected flight to the world of 
happy spirits, or indulge his grief, while she was rejoicing 
in the mercies of redeeming love. 

If this conduct of Mr Richmond should excite surprise 
in any of our readers, lei it be remembered that he was in 
the habit of estimating every thing by its reference to eter- 
nity ; and that tenderly as he was attached to his wife, and 
srensible of the importance of her life to himself and to bis 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 177 

children, still the consciousness of her assured happiness 
was evidently the absorbing feeling of his mind at that time. 
God also gives extraordinary support under extraordinary 
trials. " A martyr's grace in a martyr's sufferings." 

'» There is a time for all things." Nature and grace 
have their feelings, and there is a season for the lawful ex- 
pression of both The removal of the wife would doubt- 
less have filled with the gieatest sorrow that heart which 
now exulted rn her triumphant prospects. The husband 
would weep, while the Christian rejoiced " with joy un- 
speakable and full of glory." 

It will be well while we contemplate the triumph of faith 
and hope in others, that we should inquire what would be 
our feelings in the hour of death, and under the pressure of 
affliction. Reader ! does death present the appalling image 
of a dread eternity to your mind, or does faith open to your 
view the prospect of a glorious immortality ? Time hurries 
on its rapid course. Sorrow, or joy, the cry of terror, or 
the song of victory, must sooner or later be the portion of 
every child of Adam. Be yours the triumphant song — 
•* thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory, through our 
Lord Jesus Christ." 

The affectionate sympathy of Mr. Richmond's parishion- 
ers at this trying season, deserves to be mentioned. The 
most fervent prayers had been offered up daily for the re- 
covery of Mrs. Richmond; those prayers were heard. 
Contrary to all human expectation, the symptoms of the 
disorder abated, and her life was spared. It seemed as if 
she had entered into the valley of the shadow of death — 
explored all its secret recesses — penetrated to its utmost 
confines, and seen the light which could alone dispel all it$ 
darkness ; and then, led by the hand of Him who says, 
" I kill, and I make alive : I wound, and I heal ;" she 
once more returned to the days of her pilgrimage, and sur- 
vived to follow to the grave the husband who, thirteen 
oars before, had resigned her to the mercy of his God, 



178 MEMOIRS OF THE 

The following letter alludes to the circumstances above 
described. 

" My dearest Friend, 

'* A hasty line must tell you that my dear wife has 
been dangerously ill. On Saturday, her end appeared at 
hand, but she has since revived, and we entertain hope. 

" I never witnessed such a triumph of |rrace ; it has 
shone more bright than tenderesr hope (-ould have expect- 
ed. Jesus bore her through the most painful and affecting 
scene more than triumphantly. Among other (as it then 
appeared, dying) requests, she desired that one of the ht- 
tle boy's names (the child whose birth has occasioned so 
much danger) should be a memorial of that disinterested, 
affectionate, and highly valued kindness which a friend in- 
deed once showed her and hers in a time of need : that 
name will be Pellatt. She breathed a most grateful mes- 
sage to you at the same time. Her manner of taking 
leave of me and our eight children around her bed, was? 
more striking than you can conceive, or I can describe. 

" Pray for us, and give a hne to 

*' Your grateful friend, 

^* Legh Richmond." 

Mr. Richmond ever considered the education of th« 
young as forming one very important part of his ministerial 
duties. His heart was much in this work, and he was sin- 
gularly blessed in it. He diligently fed the lambs of his 
flock ; and the first-fruits of his ministry at the Isle of 
Wight and at Turvey, were found among them. 

At Turvey he had been accustomed to assemble the chil- 
dren of the parish in a room taken out of a barn adjoining 
the rectory, but which was too small to accommodate the 
numbers that attended. Hitherto the instruction had been 
confined to the Sunday. Mr. Kichmond felt anxious to 
afford the children the additional advantage of week-day 
lessons in reading, writing and arithmetic, on the national 
plan. With this view he determined to erect a school- 



EEV. LEGH RICHMOND. 179 

bouse ; a piece of ground in the centre of the village was 
given for the purpose, by John Higgins, Esq., and the ob- 
ject was ultimately accomplished, by the contributions of 
numerous friends. 

We here insert a letter on this subject, written by Mr, 
Richmond to Thomas Pellatt, Esq. 

" My dear Friend, 

*< It is common in this vicinity, when any person is 
subject to epileptic fits, that they go about from house to 
house, begging for a piece of silver money at each. When 
they have obtained as many sixpences and shillings (the more 
they apprehend, the better,) they get them all melted down 
into one amalgamated thumb-ring : this charm they wear, 
and they fancy it cures their fits. This may or may not be 
wise ; but I have also my sort of fit, and that is, the build- 
ing and carrying on a pastoral school, under my own care 
and labour for all the poor children of my parish, without 
exception ; and local resources being inadequate, I beg 
about for precious metal, to be amalgamated into a ring of 
personal friendship and general benevolence, for the sup- 
port of my school : not that I expect to be cured myself of 
my fit of anxiety for the poor's sake, but that I do hope for 
the cure of much sin and ignorance in their hearts, lives, 
and houses, through God's blessing on this union of chari- 
table aid. 

*' Having said thus much, do you feel it right to give my 
poor children either a donation, or annual subscription, or 
both, or neither ? Your name is already incorporated, not 
only with my heart, but with my child. It would gratify 
me to record it in my parochial book also. But be assu- 
red, that if you refuse me (and pray do so without re- 
serve, if you see good reason for it,) I shall ascribe your 
non-compliance solely to the purest motives. My school, 
both in its erection and continuance is, and will be, a monu- 
ment of personal esteem to me, and of charity to my poor 
children. 

^* Your faithful friend, 

'*' Legh Richmond." 



180 MEMOIRS OF THE 

The fidelity of detail which we have prescribed to our- 
selves in the execution of the present Memoir, compels us 
to advert to a subject of peculiar delicacy. Though it was 
the object of Mr. Richmond to train up his family, from 
their earliest youth, in those pnnciples which he himself 
professed and adorned ; circumstances of a painful nature 
occurred m the conduct of his eldest son. It cannot fail 
to afflict the mind of a pious parent, when he perceives no 
fruits from the seeds of piety, which he has been anxious 
to implant in the hearts^ of his children. Yet this is far 
from being an uncommon case ; children do not always 
adopt the views, or walk in the steps of those who have 
gone before them ; unhappily, examples are not wanting in 
pious families, of greater evils in the conduct of their chil- 
dren, than are generally found even among the worldly and 
the unbelieving. Such grievous disappointments may, per- 
haps, be traced in many instances to the neglect, the weak- 
ness, or the inconsistency of the parents, who are rebuked 
and chastised by the Almighty, in the iniquity of their ofi- 
spring ; yet in other cases, trials may be permitted, to ex- 
ercise faith, deepen repentance, quicken diligence, and ex- 
cite to more frequent and fervent supplications at a throne 
of grace. But whatever be the cause of these mournful 
dispensations, they certainly confirm the views and declara- 
tions of Scripture, respecting the aw^flil condition of our 
fallen nature. They show that where the heart is not re- 
newed by divine grace, the best instructions and the bright- 
est examples are without effect. 

Mr. Richmond used every means in the power of a 
Christian parent, to instruct his children, and to restrain 
their evil propensities. Neither solemn expostulations, nor 
tender entreaties, nor fervent prayers were wanting ; but 
they were in this case apparently without effect. At length, 
discovering that his son, now sixteen years of age, evinced a 
decided predilection for a sea-faring life ; (one of the last 
occupations in which he wished to see him engaged ;) he 
conferred with a valued friend in the Transport Office, by 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 181 

whose advice itAvas ultimately arranged that Nugent should 
embark in a merchant's vessel destined to Ceylon. 

These circumstances deeply wounded Mr. Richmond's 
paternal feelings, and required the utmost exercise of his 
principles to support him under them. It was a disap- 
pointment of the keenest kind. This was his first-born 
son, and in the days of tender infancy he had fondly de- 
voted him to be a minister of the sanctuary. But the plant 
was blighted in the bud Yet he submitted with a confiding, 
though mournful spirit, to the will of God : he met his 
son at Deptford ; urged whatever affection and duty could 
suggest ; prayed with his child, and for his child ; visited 
him again for the last time at Portsmouth, where the vessel 
had arrived ; and having presented him with a Bible, which 
he conjured him carefully to peruse, he committed him to 
that God who had promised, *' I will pour my spirit upon 
thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring." {^Isa. 
xliv. 3.) He saw the vessel proceed on her voyage with 
emotions better conceived than described, and lingered on 
the shore till its white sails were discernible no longer. 

o 

The name of the ship was the Arniston. The expected 
time of absence was two years. Mr. Richmond received 
letters from his son, during the voyage, as he arrived at 
Madeira, and afterwards at the Cape of Good Hope, in 
the month of September ; and finally from Ceylon, dated 
at Columbo, which place he reached in January, 1815. 

These letters expressed regret for his past conduct, and 
a hope that he might one day prove a consolation to his 
parents : other letters which he subsequently wrote were 
to the same effect. 

About sixteen months afterwaixJ, Mr. Richmond read 
the afflicting account in the public prints that the Arniston, 
on its return from Ceylon to Europe had been lost in a 
dreadful gale of wind, near the Cape of Good Hope ; and 
that it was feared every person on board had perished. 
Who can describe the feelings which, at that moment, rent 
the hearts of the unhappy parents ? The intelligence was 
brought by a vessel from the Cape, which l^d heard the 

17 



183 MEMOIRS OF THE 

report on its voyage homewards. Still, no official intelli- 
gence had reached this country. Mr. Richmond waited 
the result with the most painful anxiety. Information was 
at length received, that the vessel was wrecked near Cape 
Lagullas, and that every passenger on board had perished, 
with the exception of six persons, whose names were spe- 
cified ; in which number Mr. Richmond's son was not 
mentioned. 

The whole family went into mourning ; and the father 
sorrowed for his lost child with a sorrow unmitigated by 
the communication of any cheering circumstance as to the 
state of his mind, and his fitness for so sudden a change. 

Three months afterward, a letter was delivered to Mr. 
Richmond in the hand-writing of the very son whom he 
mourned as dead, announcing that he was alive — that cir- 
cumstances had prevented his setting sail in the Arniston, 
of whose fate he seemed to be unconscious ; and commu- 
nicating details of his present engagements and future 
prospects ! The transition of feeling to which the receipt 
of this letter gave rise, produced an effect almost as over- 
whelming as that which the report of his death had oc- 
casioned. The family mourning was laid aside, and Mr. 
Richmond trusted he might recognize, in this signal inter- 
position of Divine Providence, a ground for hope that 
his child's present deliverance was ^ pledge of that spiri- 
tual recovery, which was now alone wanting to fill up the 
measure of his gratitude and praise. 

The following letters, written during the period of pain- 
ful suspense, equally discover the heart of the parent, and 
the piety of the Christian. 

" My dear Mary, 

** On my return last night from the scenery of that per- 
fect paradise, the district of the Lakes, I found your triple 
letter. With a heart responsive to your own, and whose 
happiness depends on yours I throw myaelf along with you 
at the footstool of grace and mercy, ana say, Not my wilK 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 183 

but thine be done, O Lord ! Be calm, be very calm, my 
love, and wait the Lord's will. It appears, doubtless, more 
probable that the commissioners of the Transport Office, 
and the ship owners, should know the fact, than others. 
Mr. H. argues on that ground ; and it is our wisdom to 
follow him, and pause. Perhaps the report is designed of 
God, to do us good : nay, can I doubt it ? If it should 
prove true, the temporary check given to it has a lenient 
and merciful tendency, to prepare our minds for events ; 
if false, it must call forth our gratitude, when it shall be 
proved so. It can be no subject of wonder to either you or 
me, that accidents may happen amidst the perils of the seas. 
I have ever felt it a duty to my own feelings, to look upon 
such as at all times probable ; and so, I am persuaded, 
have you. After all that we have gone through on that 
trying subject, I hope we are prepared to view all its con- 
tingencies, as those who have experienced too much mercy 
from our God and Saviour, not to trust him in the darker 
and more m3^sterious providences with which he may see 
good to try us. I perfectly accord with you, in the most 
willing surrender of his life, if his soul be but safe : and if 
it has pleased God to remove him in this way, why should 
we wholly despair of answers to prayer ? I have faith in 
that very prayer you offered up in May last for him, and in 
many others which you have sent forth to heaven in his be- 
half Knowing nothing but what your letter affords me, I 
shall wait, and cast my burden on the Lord. Do you the 
same ; and then we shall sweetly meet at the throne of 
Grace, in daily unity and blessed accord. I could never 
for an instant doubt that God had some designs of wisdom 
and love in the trials of last May ; and I hope amongst 
them is a more calm, resigned, hopeful, and solid state of 
mind, as it concerns our son. I will, therefore, for the 
present, close the subject, with an earnest prayer, that you 
and 1 may mutually cast our care on Him who careth for 
us, who preserveth us daily, and crowneth our unworthi- 
ness with his mercies. He has a right to it, and we will 



184 MEMOIRS OF THE 

not rob him of the honour of keeping us as the apple of 
his eye. So he giveth his beloved rest. Amen. 

" I will just observe, that, after much rainy weather, the 
Lord permitted me, and two highly valuable friends, Mr. 
R., and young Mr. W., of C. — Hall, to have three of the 
finest days that ever were seen, for our tour to the Lakes. 
I am lost in wonder and delight at the indescribable beauties 
of the scenery ; no language can convey it, — I wept with 
emotion. My two religious friends enjoyed it with holy 
delight, and it has been a sweet season of grace to us all. 
Never can I depict the beauties and marvels of what I have 
seen. Never did I see the union of the God of creation and 
grace in such a point of view before. The expectations of 
thirty-six years are far more than realised, and I thank God 
they were sanctified. The Lord be praised for his kind- 
ness, and give us gratitude for all his mercies. 

" To-morrow I preach at Lancaster ; and leave on 
Wednesday, in my way to Mr. C, at Knaresborough ; and 
so on to Leeds, by Saturday, 16th. As I go on in my pil- 
grimage, you shall hear from step to step. Remember the 
promise, ' Fear not, I will uphold thee with the right hand 
of my righteousness.' Love to the dear children, from 

'' Your affectionate 

Legh Richmond.'* 

" My dear Mother, 

<•" We thank you from our hearts, for all your kindness. 
We feel a calm resignation to the will of God in this new 
trial, and recognise evidences of his covenant love in the 
consolations which he vouchsafes us. Nature and memory 
will now and then be very busy, and we feel greatly. Tl^en 
we think of the efficacy of prayer in connexion with pro- 
mise, and Jesus reigns supreme. I doubt not that a veil is 
permitted to be thrown over the last nine months of poor 
dear Nugent's life, in order that faith and hope may have a 
ground for exercise. I am willing to believe, that, in ad- 
dition to all others, the prayers of his apparently dying 
mother, a fortnight before the shipwreck, were too fervent 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 185 

and spiritually effectual, not to avail much for her son, 
* The promise is to you and your children, and to them that 
are afar off.' 

** The people here once more assemble in crowds at 
prayer-meetings, for us : above 250 gathered together last 
night. Much sympathy prevails ; and I trust God is mak- 
ing ' all things work together for the good of them that love 
him, and are called according to his purpose.' My dear 
wife exhibits all the grace and Christianity of last May, on 
the present occasion. She is incessantly occupied. She 
devotes four entire hours to the boys alone, indepen- 
dently of the three hours which they pass with Mr. Gar- 
rard. The remainder is appropriated to the other chil- 
dren and the household. She has high ideas of the du- 
ties both of a wife and mother, and seems to lay herself 
out for both, with a mixture of good sense and piety which 
I have never seen exceeded, seldom equalled. God gives 
her great strength of mind at present, although she often 
testifies debility of body and spirits. You may write to her 
without fear. I was prepared, by contradictory reports, 
for some weeks past, to meet the confirmation of this sad 
catastrophe, and so was my dear wife in a measure : but 
last Saturday morning, as we, and the three elder girls, were 
breakfasting at Mrs. Livius's at Bedford, the newspaper^ 
containing the whole melancholy narrative, was taken up 
by my wife, and she instantly and suddenly saw the account. 
It was a trying hour, and we all melted. Friends in need 
are friends indeed, and among our greatest earthly mercies. 
Nobody but ourselves can rightly estimate this trial, because 
none else can know what we went through on that poor 
boy's account. Thank God, we cannot reproach ourselves 
— we did the best we could, from his birth. The Lord saw 
fit to try us, but it was all in wisdom and love. We dreaded 
his return to England, unless he was greatly changed : but 
who shall say that the great change was not wrought, through 
his own trials and sufferings, sanctified of God to his soul ? 
Poor boy ! when his watery grave appeared to be his imme- 
diate and only refuge, he must have thought of his poor pa- 

j7* 



186 MEMOIRS OF THE 

rents, and needed a friend and counsellor. But I hope God 
was better to him than any earthly friend — and then, all is 
well, for him and us too. A thousand thoughts sometimes 
crowd into our minds, and make us weep. Then comes 
the kind Redeemer, and wipes away the tears from our eyes. 
' This is the victory that overcomeih the world, even our 
faith/ 

" Your affectionate son, 

L. RlCH>I0>'D." 

«« My dear Friends, 

** I expected to have the satisfaction of speaking to^ 
you this day from the pulpit, after a journey, during which 
I have seen much of the blessing of God, both in my pub- 
lic labours and my private intercourse ; — but we know not 
what a day may bring forth I It ha> pleased him with whom 
are the issues of life and death, to bring me acquainted 
with the event of the death of my first-born child by ship- 
wreck on the shores of Africa, on the 30th of May last. I 
know that I have many dear friends among you, who will 
feel for me under this trial, and make allowance for my 
state of mind, as not permitting me to come out this day. 
Nevertheless, I wish you to hear something of my thoughts, 
and to know how a covenant God and Saviour supports me 
under this bereavement. I have therefore, desired that 
you would gather together as many friends and neighbours 
as you can, for prayer. AVe feel most thankful to God, and 
to you, for your prayers, when my dear partner seemed to 
be dying ; and believe that the Lord heard you. We think 
that he will hear you again, when you ask that this triai 
mav be sanctified to us, and overruled to God's glory an. 
the final comfort of many a soul. 

" You are none of you ignorant that it pleased God to 
permit grievous exercises of mind to befall his paren.ts. 
through some circumstances connected with the conduct of 
this now departed youth ; and I believe that very many of 
you have felt much for us, before now. on this accouni . 
Yet we feel it to be a great mercy, that, making all nect- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 187 

sary allowances for human defects and failings, we cannot 
reproach ourselves with misconduct towards him. We 
did what we beheved to be right and best for him, from his 
infancy : the precepts, the principles, the instructions, and 
the examples which we endeavoured to set before him, 
were, to the utmost of our power, according to the word 
of God, to the time of his leaving us. And then we were per- 
fectly satisfied that God, in his providence, had opened the 
hest and only possible way of avoiding greater evils, when 
he showed us and our child, that it was right and necessary 
he should choose a sea-life, as his appointed path. How- 
ever contrary to our former wishes, we submitted to the 
will of God ; and he very cheerfully set out on his voyage. 
The God who saw good that this should be his lot and por- 
tion, has forbidden his return home again ; and our boy is 
gone the way of all flesh. * The Lord gave and the Lord 
hath taken away — blessed be the name of the Lord T But 
here is our hope and consolation. Nearly eighteen years' 
prayers have been unceasingly offered up for the welfare 
of his soul, and I believe that none of those prayers were 
unavailing. Only a fortnight before the time at which he 
died, his mother was wrestling in earnest and beheving 
pmyer, for his soul to be reconciled to God. The Lord 
iieard her for herself; and may we not hope that he who 
says, ' the promise is to you and to your children,' would 
hear her for liim likewise ? Moreover, you prayed earnest- 
ly for her and for hitn too ; and the Lord heard you for 
her — why not for him likewise ? All these things appear 
to the eye of my faith, as links in the chain of grace : and 
I do therefore hope, that, amidst the trials and wonders of 
the deep, faith and repentance might be granted to our 
poor boy, before he departed hence, and was no more seen» 
O parents ! learn to pray for yourselves, and then you shall 
be heard for your children. We are most thankful to God. 
for enabling us to take this view of his covenant love, and 
to build hope on this Rock of ag^es. 

" There are some persons, perhaps, in this town, who, if 
tlieir consciences are not seared as with a red-hot iron, will. 



188 MEMOIRS OF THE 

when they hear of this youth's death, feel some convictioir 
and sorrow ; because they helped to lead and strengthen 
him in the ways of evil, and thereby to bring on the train 
of events which hurried him to his* early grave. May 
God forgive them, as I do, and may they repent of their 
wickedness before it be too late. I commit his case, and 
their case, to Jesus Christ, satisfied that ' he doth all things 
well.' 

" Some of you will remember him with afiection, al- 
though you used to mourn over his errors. I sincerely 
hope you will yet meet him in a better world — where shall 
be neither sin nor sorrow, and where no acts of real kind- 
ness to your fellow-creatures will be forgotten. 

'' I have often called on you as missionary friends ; and 
I hope I shall prevail on still more of you to help the cause 
of poor injured Africa. 

'< We seem to have now another strong feeling towards 
the shores of Africa. Poor Nugent hes buried there I 
and our missionary pennies and pounds are going to a 
country, which his father loves for the negro's and the 
Hottentot's sake, as well as because his son has there found 
a grave. May the living and the dead in Africa experience 
the blessing of the Lord ! 

" Grace, peaee,^^nd mercy be upon you all ! I hope 
Ilis presence will be with you, when you meet for prayer : 
and if (as may be probably the case,) some may not be 
with you the first time you hear this, call another meeting, 
and read this letter again ; so that all may hear it who 
wish to do so. And believe me, with much Christian love, 
to be 

" Your affectionate friend and minister, 

Legh Richmond.'' 

We have already alluded to * the Fathers of the Enghsh 
Church,' and to a respectable body of the clergy, at whose 
earnest entreaty, and on whose promise of support, Mr. 
Richmond undertook that important publication. At the 
same time, they submitted to his consideration, the propriety 



I 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 189 

of confining Lis selections from the writings of the Re- 
formers, to four octavo volumes. 

When our friend yielded to the wishes of his clerical 
brethren, among whom was the late Mr. Robinson, of Lei- 
cester, and Dr. Gilbee, the rector of Barby, in Nor- 
thamptonshn-e, he considered the whole body of his advisers 
as responsible for the expenses, and pledged to carry him 
through the hazard of the undertaking : and with this idea, 
he announced the proposed work, under the sanction of a 
joint editorship. The selection was, however, left to his 
own discretion ; and trusting too implicitly to the reputa- 
tion and merits of the Reformers, and judging of the pub- 
lic mind by his own estimation of their writings, he extend- 
ed the work to eight volumes. Admitting the value of his 
materials, we still question the propriety of increasing the 
size of the publication ; not only because the risk was 
doubled, but also, because the purchase was rendered too 
expensive for the generality of theological readers. It wa& 
liardly to be expected that when even some works of taste 
had failed to excite much general interest, authors such as 
Cranmer, Ridley, Jewel, and other writers of polemical 
divinity, should easily overcome the indifference and pre- 
judice of the age, so as to obtain a rapid and extended - 
sale, when brought forth in eight large volumes. Besides 
which, the subjects of ♦he second volume were displeasing 
to some good men, and hindered the sale, on account of 
their containing a higher standard of doctrine than was 
approved by many readers of the old divines : though it 
was allowed by all, that the editor had performed his office 
of selection with great fidehty ; including the sentiments of 
all, and excluding none ; mingling with them no comments 
of his own, but leaving the reader to the free and unfetter- 
ed exercise of his judgment. 

Worldly policy, however, was not one of the qualifica- 
tions of the subject of this memoir : he was by no means 
fitted for transactions of a secular nature. None possess- 
ed more of the harmlessness of the dove — few had less of 
the cautious prudence of the serpent. 



190 MEMOIRS OF THE 

The sale of ' the Fathers' was insufficient to defray the 
expenses of pubhcation ; and in the summer of 1814, on a. 
balance of accounts, it appeared that Mr. Richmond was 
indebted to his publisher in the sum of £2,000 ; and that 
he had no means of defraying this large amount, but by 
the stock in hand. 

These pecuniary embarrassments lay heavy on the mind 
of Mr. Richmond, and deeply affected his spirits. His 
depression was observed by his friends ; but it was not 
without difficulty he was prevailed on to disclose the cause. 
He was a man of most delicate feeling, and shrunk from 
the idea of caUing on others for relief. 

The knowledge of these facts, induced many of his 
friends to exert themselves in the sale of ' the Fathers ;' 
and, by their exertions, in a few months the whole debt 
was discharged. 

It is not intended, by the above remarks, to reflect on 
the parties with whom the work originated, or on the per- 
sons employed in its publication : yet it is but common 
justice to our much-esteemed friend, to explain to the 
world a transaction to which no small blame has been at- 
tached, yet in which nothing is to be regretted but the in- 
creased size of the work, and his want of knowledge in 
the business-part of its publication In the pecuniary 
transactions of life, Mr. Richmond preserved an undevia- 
ting rectitude. With an income never exceeding £400 or 
£500, till within a few years of his decease ; and with a 
family of twelve children, to be maintained and educated, 
(with the exception of two, who died in infancy,) it is 
much to his credit that he provided things honest in the 
sight of all men, < owing no man any thing,' and depend- 
ing only on his own resources. With respect to the diffi- 
culties arising from the publication of ' the Fathers,' he 
ever considered himself entitled to pubhc sympathy and 
relief, having undertaken the work, not, indeed, with the 
security of legal instruments, yet with the implied engage- 
ment of an adequate support. Whether he was right in 
this supposition, we are not prepared to decide ; however. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 191 

Ihe purchaser of * the Fathers' had his full equivalent, and 
no just blame can attach to the memory of our friend, for 
availing himself of the voluntary interference of the church 
of God in his behalf 

The following letter shows the strength of his faith, and 
his implicit reliance on the promises of God, amidst his 
difficulties. 

" With the most aifectionate love, regard, and estima- 
tion, my dearest Mary, I must expostulate with you, on 
this mistrustful and despondent view which you seem too 
willing to indulge. I may say, what has God done in his 
whole course of providential mercies for eighteen years, 
that we should not, to the fullest extent, trust Him with 
ourselves? our fortunes, and our children, for the time to 
come ? Will mistrust of our only Provider and Protector, 
render us less likely to meet with trials ? I am too deeply 
sensible, and grateful, also, for your conduct and feeling 
on the general subject of domestic matters, not to enter 
most heartily into them. But, as you have asked my advice 
on your state of mind, I do most earnestly conjure you to 
consider the genuine meaning of those texts — ' Take no 
thought for the morrow ;' and ' Be careful for nothing, 
but in every thino by prayer and supplication, with thanks- 
giving, let your requests be made known unto God,' &c, 
{PML iv. 6, 7.) See, also, 1 Peter v. 7 ; Psa, Iv. 22 ; 
and many more. I am persuaded, that mistrust of God's 
providential care is a besetting sin of many of God's 
children, and hinders much of their peace, comfort, and 
usefulness. You are not justified, my dear Mary, in fore- 
boding evil to yourself and your children. How many 
clergymen, with large families, have much fewer comforts, 
and worse prospects. God has blessed us too much in 
many points of view, to warrant such sad conclusions and 
gloomy doubts. Pray lay these things more uncondition- 
ally on the Lord, and He will infallibly prepare, strengthen, 
an4 support you, in «very thing. What has He not done 



192 MEMOIRS OF THE 

to prove this ? It is the joy of my heart to hope and think 
that your merciful restoration to me and mine, is to exem- 
phfy a lasting confidence in the wisdom , love, and power of 
that God, who so delightfully brought you through the 
greatest of all trials, in the vaUey of death, leaning on his 
rod and his staff. May God enable you to keep up my 
spirits as well as your own, by the belief that He who hath 
done, will also do all things well. It is my perfect per- 
suasion, that by faith we are saved, in body as well as in 
soul. Therefore, with the minutest attention to every pru- 
dent and active means, yet, ' Only believe !' is the Chris- 
tian's motto." 

During the Emperor Alexander's visit to this country, 
Mr. Richmond had the gratification of meeting him at 
Portsmouth. Mr Richmond had ascended a lofty tower, 
in the dock-yard, and from its summit was viewing, through 
a telescope, the surrounding objects, when his Imperial 
Majesty and suite unexpectedly came to the spot. Mr. 
Richmond offered to withdraw ; but the Emperor would 
not consent, saying— " Perhaps, sir, you are acquainted 
with the points of view before us ?" Mr. Richmond as- 
sured him, he well knew every spot in the neighbourhood ; 
and, drawing out his telescope, directed the eye of the 
Emperor to the different objects worthy of notice. After 
a long and interesting conversation with his Majesty, be- 
fore they separated, Mr. Richmond said — " I avail myself 
of this opportunity to thank your Imperial Majesty, in my 
own name, and in that of all the friends of the Bible So- 
ciety in England, for the distinguished patronage and sup- 
port that your Majesty has shown to the same cause in 
Russia." The Emperor obUgingly replied — " Sir, my 
thanks are rather due to your country, and to the friends 
of the cause : for, had it not been for your example, we 
should have had no Bible Society in Russia." 

Some months after this singular interview, Mr. Rich- 
mond inclosed a copy of his Tracts, with the following 
letter to his Imperial Majesty. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 193 

^ May it please your Imperial Majesty, 

<• An offer has been made to me, by the Rev. Mr. 
Paterson, of conveying a copy of the book which accom- 
panies this letter to your Imperial Majesty, through the 
kindness and condescension of His Excellency the Prince 
Galitzin. 

" In presuming to take this liberty, I am influenced, not 
by the opinion which I myself entertain as to the value of 
the contents of the volumes, but by the firm persuasion 
which I hold, that the Christian sentiments which form the 
foundation of those simple narratives, are dear to your Ma- 
jesty's heart. 

** Your Majesty's public conduct and avowed principles, 
4iave tended to convince me, that neither the splendour of 
imperial dignity, nor the glory of military conquests, are, 
m your Majesty's estimation, comparable to the privileges 
and blessmgs which Christianity alone can confer on those 
who live under the influence of the Gospel of our Lord 
and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

" In the belief and hope that it is your Majesty's desire 
to promote the temporal and eternal interests of the people 
of Russia, by any instrument, however apparently small and 
unworthy, which God may see good to bless, I submit this 
little volume to your Majesty's candid acceptance. 

"These short ^ Annals of tha Poor' have been made 
very useful, through the mercy and power of God, to many 
in this country. England is now attached to Russia, not 
only by past political and friendly relations, but much more 
than ever, by your Majesty's dignified and condescending 
deportment, during your recent visit to this kingdom 
May the King of kings, who is alike the Lord of Russia 
and of Britain, make use of even so feeble an instrument 
as this little volume, to convey some of the spiritual bless- 
ings which have attended its publication in Britain; to the 
utmost extent of your Majesty's dominions. 

'^When your Majesty shall be pleased to receive this 
book, may the author of it be permitted to remind your 
31ajesty, that he is the same individual whom your Ma- 

J8 



194 MEMOIRS OF THE 

jesty saw at the summit of the lofty tower, in the dock- 
yard at Portsmouth, on Friday, June 24th last ; and who 
then had the unexpected honour of lending your Majesty 
the telescope with which your Majesty surveyed the sur- 
rounding prospect. The kind and condescending manner 
in which your Majesty was pleased to notice an English 
stranger on that occasion, is recollected with the smcerest 
satisfaction and gratitude, whilst I now present this volume 
to your Majesty's notice. 

" Your Majesty will be pleased to allow me, as a minister 
of the Gospel, to conclude by praying Almighty God, that 
His grace, peace, and mercy, may be abundantly poured 
down upon your Majesty, and upon the people of your ex- 
tensive dominions, over whom He has given you the earthly 
sovereignty ! 

" May the Gospel of the blessed Jesus prosper among 

the subjects of all the Russias ; and that it may be your 

Majesty's chief crown of rejoicing, in the great day of liis 

appearance, is the supplication of 

" Your Imperial Majesty's 

Most obedient and unworthy servant, 
" L. R." 

The following reply was received by Mr. Richmond, 
from his Imperial Majesty, accompanied with a ring of con- 
siderable value. — 

*• Reverend Sir, 

'• The copy of your book, entitled < Annals of the 
Poor' was, according to your desire, presented to his Im- 
perial Majesty the Emperor Alexander, by me, together 
with your letter ; and accepted by his Majesty, with the 
greatest satisfaction. The object of this volume, the pro- 
motion of Christian charity and truly rehgious sentnnents, 
renders it most interesting and valuable in the eyes of the 
Emperor, who desires nothing so much as to see the prin- 
ciples of the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Saviour, more and 
more universal in his dominions, and in the whole world. 



REV. LEGII RICHMOND. 195 

*< On this occasion, his Imperial Majesty recollected also 
having made your acquaintance in Portsmouth, under the 
circumstances you describe in your letter. 

" In consequence of all this, his Majesty ordered me to 
deposit your book in the library of the Imperial Humane 
Society, and to send the rinor which accompanies this letter, 
as a mark of his true esteem for you, and high approbation 
of your work. 

'' It is very agreeable to me, in thus fulfilling the order of 
my sovereign, to assure you of the sincere esteem with 
\vhich I have the honour to be 

" Your most obedient servant, 

Priince Alexander Galitzin. 

" St, Petersburg, 14th January, 1817." 

Mr. Richmond also presented a copy of his * Young 
Cottager' to Princess Sophia Metstchersky, who first trans- 
lated the tract of the Dairy[nan's Daughter into the Russian 
language, and he received from her Highness the follow- 
ing answer. This noble lady's time and influence are con- 
secrated to the cause of religion, and many instances are 
recorded of her usefulness. May her distinguished ex- 
ample inspire a like zeal in others of the same rank ; and 
may the time soon arrive, when the crown and the coronet 
shall universally be laid at the foot of the cross of the Re- 
deemer ! 

" Reverend Sir, 

•* I have been hesitating for some days if I should stop 
to answer you till Mr. Pinkerton would be here, in hope 
that he would help me to express my gratitude for your 
kind letter and valuable present, in proper time ; but I 
am afraid it will be too long, and you will perhaps suppose 
me indifferent and ungrateful, so I venture to send you my 
bad English without correction. 

*^ Remember, dear sir, that I am but a scholar ; a very 
new one, and quite unfit to correspond with such a man as 
you ; though my soul is capable of loving you as a brother 



19(5 MEMOIRS OF THE 

and friend in Christ Jesus, and of admiring you as a chosen 
servant of his, a vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet 
for the Master's use^ and for the edification and comfort 
of his children. Yes, sir, I hope I am united to you in one 
body and soul, which is Christ Jesus the Saviour ; and I say. 
with ' Little Jane,' that I am happy to be even the small- 
est and lowest of all his members. How much I delighted 
in reading this narrative ; how wonderful the grace of our 
Lord ! how happy the country where children are brought 
up in the fear of God, and taught so young to love and 
serve the Saviour ! what an eminent Christian — so young 
a child ! But this is neither to he taught nor learnt. He 
alone can give it, who is love itself, and who purchased us 
to himself by shedding his precious blood for us. Oh, sir ! 
you do not know, perhaps to what an unworthy being you 
wrote. I have passed all my life in the ignorance of Him 
who died for me, without love to Him who loved me first, 
and sought me out, when I hastened to my ruin in a life of 
enmity to my God. He sought me out, and mercifully 
sent His servant Pinkerton to open my eyes and my ears 
by the power of his word, so that I plainly see now what a 
sinful, wicked creature 1 am : what a gracious merciful 
God to offend ! and how kind, and always ready and 
willing to receive us, our Saviour Jesus Christ is, and al- 
ways will be ! How good He was to me, sending such a 
meek, patient loving soul, as the worthy Mr. Pinkerton 
proved to be during his living in my family. What a life 
of disgust it must have been to a man of his distinguished 
merit, to bear with the caprices and wickedness of a spoil- 
ed, ignorant, and proud woman : — but charity seeketh not 
her own, is not easily provoked, beareth all things ; hopeth 
all things ; endureth all things ; charity never faileth : I 
have had an evident proof of it in my dear friend and in- 
structor. But I must stop, and ask to be forgiven for 
having written so much ; my heart opens at the voice of 
a friend, and then I speak out of the fulness of it. Excuse 
me, then, sir, for intruding so much upon your time. Pray 
for me, that 1 may come in faith and grace to the happy 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 197 

(lay, in which I shall be enabled to join with you in joy- 
I'ul hallelujahs and eternal praises of our heavenly Father 
and divine Saviour. Oh, may his peace always be with 
you ! Receive with indulgence, dear sir, my hearty thanks, 
and in the assurance of the sincere esteem and high regard 
with which I am 

'* Your much obliged and obedient, 

P. Sophia METSTCHERSKr." 

The two letters to Mrs. Livius, which are next inserted, 
were written about this period, and the editor cannot recur 
to them without feelings of the liveliest emotion. The 
first alludes to the death of one who ended a life of uniform 
pain and sickness, by a death cheered with the hope of a 
joyful immortality. The person adverted to in the second 
letter, the late G. Livius, Esq., is endeared by recollec- 
tions which time cannot impair — which live not only in the 
memory, but in the heart. He once knew the world, but 
had long left it in pursuit of a better portion. He was the 
well-known Gains of the county where he lived — the lover 
of good men, of whatever name or title : he was purified in 
the furnace of afl^iction ; but his trials are now terminated, 
and his sun shines bright and unclouded through an endless 
eternity. 

" My dear Madam, 

<« Allow me once more to express the friendly solici- 
tude which [ feel for you and my honoured friend Mr. 
Livius, under your recent and present trial. His strength 
and spirits would not admit of my saying all which my heart 
dictated, when I saw him yesterday. I wish him to know 
how much I have valued his friendship, and how grateful I 
feel for a series of hospitality and kindness of no ordinary 
character, for a period of now near eleven years. I wish 
him to knov/ that I have ever been a sympathising observer 
of his bodily and mental anxieties, and have entertained a 
cordial esteem and regard for his many amiable and exceU 
lent qualities of head and heart. 

18* 



198 MEMOIRS OF THE 

"The confidential intercourse with which at various pe- 
riods he has been pleased to favour me, cannot be oblitera- 
ted from my recollection nor effaced from my affections. 
It is my heart's prayer that his consolations may be ' neither 
few nor small ;' that the peace of God may be his resting- 
pillow, and that God will ' make his bed in all his sickness.' 
Not one affliction has ever befallen him beyond what his 
heavenly Father designed for his present and eternal good. 
Wisdom, mercy, power and faithfulness, have guided all. 
May each of his children be blessed with a heart taught by 
the same spirit who hath taught him and you to look to the 
Strong One for help ; and may they be effectually preserved 
from the snares and delusions of this present evil world. 

" May you, my dear friend, be upheld by a Saviour's 
power and love, to fulfil every arduous task which his wis- 
dom assigns you. Forgive this intrusion, solely prompted 
by grateful friendship. Accept our united assurances of 
love for you and yours, 

'' And beheve me most sincerely yours, 

In the bonds of strong regard, 

Legh Richmond," 

"' My very dear Friend, 

" It is fit that the same moment which brings me the 
long-expected, yet afflicting tidings of my much-loved 
friend's departure from this vale of tears, should dictate a 
few sympathetic lines to his dear relict. Your mind has 
long waited tliis event with Christian resignation. May 
the Spirit of power and peace bless his own preparation , 
now that the hour of trial has arrived ! You have the 
prayers of many friends to mingle with your own. These » 
in God's sight, are riches. May you enjoy them spiritu- 
ally and eternally I ' Tribulation worketh patience ; pa- 
tience, experience ; experience, hope ;' hope tliou therefore 
in God. Time is swiftly passing away, and its stream is 
gradually absorbed in eternity Our years roll on, and we 
^all soon be there ; and there we shall meet those who 
bave loved Christ, and loved us. Tliere, dear madam, in 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 199 

the bosom of your Saviour and God, you shall meet your 
dear husband. Till then, may faith, hope, peace, tranquil- 
lity and love, gild your horizon, like resplendent clouds 
round the setting sun, prophetic of a bright approaching 
morning. Christ has bequeathed his peace to you ; take 
it as his legacy, and use it to his glory. Mrs. Richmond 
unites in affectionate regards to you and all yours, under 
this present trial, with 

" Your affectionate friend, 

Legh Richmond." 

We close the chapter with a pleasing little poem, written 
about this time. 

A WIDOWED MOTRER^S ADDRESS TO HER DAUGH- 
TER, ON THE DAY OF HER MARRIAGE. 

Say, why should my bosom thus heave with a sigh, 
And the tear of affection now start from my eye ? 
Forgive me, my child, whom my soul holds so dear — 
You've a smile from my heart, though my eye drops a tear ! 

This sigh is the tribute of tenderest love. 

And I trust shnll be heard in the mansions above ; 

For it breathes a warm prayer to the Bridegroom of heaven. 

That to thee, now a bride, his best blessing be given. 

May He weave thee a garland on this nuptial morn, 
With the roses of Sharon thy brows to adorn ; 
With the ring of his love, may he claim thee for liis, 
And pronounce thee ^'joint heir" of his heavenly bliss. 

May his true wedding-robe, which he purchased with blood, 
Be thy portion, my daughter, by Jesus bestowed ; 
By his grace freely pardoned, and cleansed from all sin, 
Be thou spotless without, and all glorious within. 

May my child and her partner, in holy connexion. 
Be united, through grace, by true Christian aflfection :; 
May the wife prove a sister, the husband a brother., 
And each find a help in the faith of the other. 



tiOO MEMOIRS OF THE 

Thus thy marriage on earth a sweet emblem shall be, 
Of a far brighter union provided for thee ; 
And then, the fe"W days of thy pilgrimage past, 
Thy Saviour will own thee his spouse at the last. 

Peace be with you, my children ! I speak without guile ; 
1 began with a tear, but I end with a smile; 
'Tis my hope that your happiness nothing shall cloy. 
And the heart of the widow shall sing with new joy I 



CFl AFTER XII. * 

Letters, — Poetry, — Description of Lake scenery, — Brief 
account of his first tour to Scotland, — His sentiments on 
'. Oratorios, 

It was usual with Mr. Richmond to mark with peculiar 
solemnity the birth-days of hiinself and all his family. 
These he kept as a kind of religious festival — writing letters 
to the different members of his family, and preaching to his 
parishioners on an ap[)ropriate subject. The following 
letter he wrote to his mother, on one of these occasions : — 

« My dearest Mother, 

" The return of this day demands a return of affec- 
tionate regards to God, the author of my being, and to you, 
the instrument employed by him to convey life and exis- 
tence to my unworthy self. Often do I reflect with love 
and gratitude on yourkmdness and watchful care over me, 
from infancy to the present moment. Your qualities of 
heart and head cannot be forgotten, any more than the 
name of parent — a title consecrated by everv^ principle, 
divine and human. This being my birth- day, I propose to 
preach on Psalm cxxxix. verses 14 to 18. How suitable 
for such a meditation ! What a miracle is the life of man. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOXD. 201 

viewed naturally, spiritually, and eternally ! How incom- 
prehensible, from first to last! from conception to the cra- 
dle — from the cradle to the grave — from the grave to the 
resurrection — from the resurrection through eternity ! 
Then to consider the endless variety of frames, providences 
events, souls, bodies, and spirits ! Sometimes when I me- 
ditate on futurity, I am lost in inexplicable thought : I then 
see the importance of the mind's retiring into the consola- 
tions of the past and the present, as they arise from the re- 
vealed plan of salvation ; and through that medium, even 
eternity assumes a solid and hopeful aspect, 

" If ever I felt it more than ordinarily due to a valued 
parent to express my gratitude, it is at a time when she 
has so kindly and so considerately met the peculiar circum- 
stances of difficulty, in which a variety of events have con- 
spired to place me. Between my last and present birth- 
day, many sorrows, many shocks to feeling, many heavy 
expenses have occurred ; my heart has been tried to the 
utmost : but your aflectionate, unupbraiding, and liberal 
conduct, has proved a great cordial to me and ray dear 
wife, in all our trials." 

The following letter will introduce to the reader a son of 
Mr. Richmond's, of whom we shall have occasion to speak 
towards the close of this Memoir. The name, as has 
been before observed, was given to commemorate that re- 
markable event in his own life, arising from the perusal of 
Mr. Wilberforce's work on Practical Christianity. This 
boy was now in his twelfth year ; and we principally insert 
this letter to show the manner in which Mr. Richmond 
addressed his children at an early age. 

" My dear Wilberforce, 

" Shall I have no cause for heart-ache at my return, 
when T inquire how my child has behaved ? how he has 
attended to his learning ? how he has adhered to truth in 
his words ? Shall I be comforted with the glad tidings 
that your heart, and your conscience, and your ways, all 
seem to partake of a happy influence ? That you show 



y02 MEMOIRS OF THE 

your love to mamma by keeping her commandments ? That 
you pray to God to forgive you your sins, and hourly 
offences ? Do the four walls of your little chamber bear 
witness to your prayers and supplications for yourself and 
me ? Do the sun's rays, as they early penetrate your win- 
dow in the morning, find you early and active to rise, to 
read, to labour, and to grow in grace ? 

" J saw Litchfield cathedral, and attended divine service 
there. It is a much smaller one than York, but has great 
beauty ; the organ notes rolled sublimely through the 
vaults, arches, pillars, and roof; and the exquisitely paint- 
ed windows assimilated with such sounds, and rendered the 
eflTect very fine. It has three beautiful spires. 

" One evening I travelled with a friend for three hours, 
amidst the most beautiful and never-ceasing distant light- 
ning ; the whole western hemisphere was in a constant 
blaze ; the flashes alternated from one point of the horizon 
to another, distant about forty-five degrees from it ; some- 
times the flashes were silvery, sometimes yellow, sometimes 
orange ; sometimes forked, sometimes sheet-like ; some- 
times so vivid, you seemed to have a peep into more dis- 
tant regions of space ; sometimes more faint ; now and 
then you heard slight rumblings, then all was silent. At 
one point the flashes gleamed upon a distant view of a cas- 
tle, which seemed all on fire, and was only rendered visi- 
ble by the eflTect of the hghtning A daik forest lay behind, 
and formed a fine contrast. Sometimes the forked flashes 
hurried one another, in a kind of play fill progress;' at 
others they dashed together as if in terrible comhat ; all 
this passed between seven and ten o'clock, on the evening 
of June 28th. But what are these lightnings, compared 
with those which made Moses quake and tremble at Mount 
Sinai ? or what were even the latter, when contrasted with 
those of God's wrath against sinners ? Thunder and 
lightning is a fine emblem of Divine justice and threaten- 
ings. You have need to ' flee from the wrath to come.' 
* Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' < The 
wicked, and all the people that forget God, shall be turned 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 203 

into hell.' Do you forget him ? if so, what shall be your 
portion ? If you say you do not forget Him, how do you 
prove it ? — 



• I see and approve the better, 



But follow the worse,' 

is the character of too many nominal Christians ; I would 
not have it to be yours. An enlightened, but unconverted 
mind, has eyes and tongue to approve what is right ; but 
the feet follow the paths of evil. A converted heart alone 
walks in the steps of Him who is * the way, the truth, and 
the life.' Say— 

" To me, O Lord, be thou * the way,' 
To me, be thou ^ the truth ;' 
To me, my Saviour, be ' the life,' 
Thou Guardian of my youth ! 

" So shall that ' way' be my delight. 
That ' truth' shall make me free ; 
That ' life' shall raise me from the dead, 
And then I'U live to Thee." 

1 sincerely hope you are beginning to be truly sensible 
of the danger of sin, and the necessity of seeking the Lord 
very early. Your life is an uncertainty, at best ; occa- 
sional indispositions should remind you that you may never 
arrive at man's estate. If you are to die a boy, we must 
look for a boy's religion, a boy's knowledge, a boy's faith, 
a boy's Saviour — a boy's salvation ! Or else, a boy's igno- 
rance — a boy's obstinacy — a boy's unbelief — a boy's ido- 
latry—a boy's destruction ! Remember all this, and be- 
ware of sin ; dread the sinfulness of an unchanged heart 
— pray for a new one ; pray for grace and pardon, and a 
soul conformed to the image of Christ Jesus ; — pray for 
wisdom, for the destruction of pride, vau) conceit, and 
self-sufficiency. < Be not slothful in busmess ; but fervent 
in spirit, serving the Lord/ 



•204 MEMOIRS OF THE 

« Friends* here inquire after you ; but it is in the full 
hope that you go on well, creditably, obediently, industri- 
ously, humbly, and Christianly. Love to all, from 
" Your affectionate Father, 

L. R." 

We here introduce a birthday hymn, composed for his 
son Wilberforce. 

" My years roll on in silent course, 
Impelled by a resistless force : 
Awake, my soul ! awake and sing, 
" How good thy God, how great thy King '. 

** My years roll on : then let me know 
The great design for which they flow ; — 
And as the ship floats o'er the wave, 
Thy vessel, Lord ! in mercy save. 

" My years roll on : the tide of time 
Bears me through many a changing clime ; 
IVe summers, winters — heat and cold, — 
Winds, calms, and tempests, ten times told. 

*' My years roll on : but here's my hope, 
And this my everlasting prop : 
Though seasons change, and I change too. 
My God's the same — for ever true ! 

*' My years roll on : and as they roll. 
Oh ! may they waft my ransomed soul 
Safe through life's ocean, to yon shore. 
Where sins and sorrows grieve no more 1 

" My years roll on ; and with them flows 
That mercy which no limit knows : 
'Tis Mercy's current makes me glide, 
la hope of safety, down the tide. 

" My years roll on : my soul be still, — 
Guided by love, thy course fulfil : 
And, my life's anxious voyage past. 
My refuge be with Christ at last T' 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 205 

The birth of another child induced Mr. Richmond to re- 
quest a very endeared friend, Mrs. R., formerly of Kendal, 
to stand as sponsor. The request was made in the follow- 
ing- letter. 

" Turvey, Jan. 23, 1818. 

" Will my dear friend Mrs. R. allow me to enrol her 
name among the sponsors of my sweet little gift, at her 
baptism ? It is my wife's desire, as well as my own : do 

not refuse us. Dear Mrs. F. of S Castle, is the 

other godmother. Join her in this act of charity and 
friendship, and thus put a seal to valuable recollections of 
Kendal, Keswick, &c. &c. The hymn of our last morn- 
ing, after breakfast, still echoes a sweet farewell in my ear 
and my heart. 

" My babe is to be called Charlotte Elizabeth. Char- 
lotte, as a memorial of the lamented princess ; and Eliza- 
beth, as a memorial of < the Dairyman's Daughter.' A 
palace and a cottage here unite in my child's cradle : may 
she rock in peace, and ever be found in the arms of her 
Saviour." 

The following verses, composed by Mr. Richmond, were 
sung at the baptismal font, immediately after the service 
was concluded. 

*' Welcome, dear babe, to Jesu's breast, 
For ever there securely rest ; 
Welcome to these his courts Ijelow — 
Here may our God his grace bestow. 

^^ Lord sanctify this solemn hour, 
Thy spirit on our offspring- pour ! 
I'ulfil thy promise to our child — 
May she in Christ be reconciled ! 

"-' These holy waters now proclaim 
Redemption free in Jesu's name ; 
Each sprinkled drop becomes a seal 
Of that salvation which we fe*»l. 

19 



206 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" Behold th' affrighted infant weep ! 
Fear has disturbed her gentle sleep. 
Weep not, dear babe, all others smile, 
And love and bless thee all the while. 

" Grant, Lord ! if spared, the time may comCy 
When, summoned to her heavenly home, 
Though all around her weep and sigh, 
In smiles triumphant she may die I 

" Receive the helpless child, we pray, 
And seal her to Redemption's day ! 
Mansions of Miss may she inherit — 
The gift of Father, Son, and Spirit !" 

With the lady who stood sponsor to his child, during 
one of his tours in the North, Mr. Richmond visited the 
lakes of Westmoreland. Among his papers, is a very 
pleasing description of the scenery of that rich and roman- 
tic country. We extract the following passage, on account 
of its beauty. 

" There are numberless changes of effect produced in 
mountain scenery by the variation of sun, shade, mist, 
cloud, the state of vegetation, character of the atmosphere, 
and other causes, well known to every one familiar with 
such scenes ; and they constitute no inconsiderable source 
of that high gratification which the traveller experiences in 
the study of natural beauties. The same combination of 
objects, viewed under a change of external circumstances, 
forms completely a new scene, and possesses an appropriate 
charm ; inasmuch as it is the same, and yet different. 
This consideration unfolds an almost endless diversity of 
effect, to be observed and enjoyed by the mind which loves 
to investigate the varieties of which such prospects are 
susceptible. This double source of variety, sometimes 
occasioned by actual change of the principal objects in the 
landscape, and sometimes only by a change of attendant 
circumstances, affords strong evidence that the Creator, in 
all his works, appears to dehght in z. profusion of that dis- 
play of contrivance, skill, and diversity, which teaches the 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 207 

creature to adore his attribute of Omnipotence. But it 
does more : it leads to the contemplation of that which de- 
clares, that 'God is here!' J'he delight with which a 
Christian traces the finger of God, in the midst of a fine 
prospect, does not merely arise from the admiration of di- 
vine power and contrivance ; nor from his own quick sense 
of beautiful and sublime imagery ; nor from his deduction 
of cause and effect, which natural philosophy traces in the 
history of earth, air, tire and water. He sees all this it is 
true, and honours God in it. But he also sees, that in the 
whole of this complexity of wonders, this harmony of crea- 
ted existence, there is a purpose of benevolence. The 
diversified joys of the landscape all concentrate in the joy 
of devotion. It is the love of God to man, which fills the 
scenery with beauty and (Might ; it is the love of God, 
which adapts the mind of ;aan to this peculiar capacity of 
intellectual enjoyment. Whether the Christian's survey of 
nature partakes of the skill of the artist, the energy of the 
poet, the science of the philosopher — let his enjoyment 
arise from any or from ail of these sources, — this is the 
crowning consideration, that these delights are given him of 
God, and are an evidence of God's love to him This leads 
him to reflect on his own character as a fallen sinner, yet 
still the object of such incomprehensible mercy. 

'' Under the impression of all these powerful emotions, 
he bursts forth into the pious reflection — « What is man, 
O Lord, that thou art thus mindful of him, or the son of 
man, that thou so regardest him !' Nor can he refrain 
from exclaiming — ' O Lord, our God, how excellent is thy 
name in all the earth !' " 

We subjoin another reflection, as he surveyed the beau- 
tiful lake of Windermere, above the town of Bowness, 
where it first breaks upon the sight. 

" Was Paradise more enchanting than this ? Did the 
Lord put our first parents into a garden more exquisitely 
beautiful than that before me ? (^ould the river, which 
watered the plains and valleys of Eden — could the ground, 
out of which grew every tree that is pleasant to the sight 



:208 MEMOIRS OF THE 

and good for food, present a more lovely sight than this ? 
That Paradise is vanished from mortal sight and posses- 
sion ; but through the iledeemer, a brighter and immortal 
Paradise is regained ; and the believer may see it emble- 
matically and substantially represented to him^ in his spi- 
ritual enjoyment of such an earthly Paradise as the vale 
^nd mountains of Windermere " 

As he passes through the church-yard of Bowness, to- 
wards the Lake- he remarks : — 

*< A country church-yard is ever an interesting object ,• 
but in such a situation as this, many new ideas are excited, 
which add greatly to contemplative affections. On enter- 
ing it, I was immediately struck by seeing a newly-erected 
tomb-stone, at the east end of the church yard, on which is 
inscribed the name of Richard Watson, late Bishop of 
Llandaff, who passed a large portion of the latter part of 
his life at a beautiful mansion on the banks of Winder^ 
mere: he died aged 81. It was nearly this very day 
twelvemonths, on which I was favoured by a conversation 
with him, as he sat in his carriage, at Ambleside." 

Mr. Richmond, having received frequent invitations to 
visit Scotland, and being no less desirous himself of culti- 
vating a personal intercourse with many valuable charac- 
ters in that country, was induced, in the year 1818, to 
fulfil his long meditated project. The introduction of the 
Jewish subject afforded a favourable opportunity ; though 
it was to be expected that the sphere of exertion would be 
somewhat contracted to an Episcopahan pleader of that 
cause. We are in possession of very few notices of this 
first journey, beyond the accompanying letters ; but we 
are furnished with more ample materials respecting a visit 
,paid in 1820, to which we shall, in due time, direct the at- 
tention of the reader. 

•* My dear Mary, 

" The respect, regard, friendship, and affection, with 
which both myself and my cause are received, in every 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 



209 



place, by the religious people in Scotland, constitute a fea- 
ture in my life never to be forgotten. My whole mind is 
deeply busied in meditations upon the goodness and love of 
God. I can hardly expect to interest your mind in all the 
minutm of my hourly intercourse ; but I believe your eyes 
would be often filled with tears of gratitude, if you saw and 
heard all which I see and hear. 

" Dehcate and difficult as the task is which I have to per- 
form as an Episcopal missionary in this Presbyterian land, 
I seem to have succeeded beyond hope ; and I am laying 
the first foundation of a building, in which, if Providence 
permit and spare me, I shall hereafter feel much interested, 
and the cause of God, I trust, be effectually promoted. 
But think not, my loved Mary, that amidst the bustle of 
missioriary arrangements, conversations, speeches and ser- 
mons ; nor amidst the wonders and beauties of mountains, 
lakes, cascades, rocks, glens, plains, rivers, trosacks, and 
woods, I forget my dear, dear domestic circle at home. 
You are all unceasingly before my eyes ; and the family 
group mingles with every scene I behold and every under- 
taking wherein I am concerned ; and often I see my dear 
wife anxiously and diligently pursuing the duties of her 
station, — smiling on the babe, or listening to the juvenile 
tales which a Catharine or a Legh may be able to read or 
to spell ; or, taking your walk, during this beautiful wea- 
ther, in the fields Or, I see you on your knees, praying 
for grace to enable you to act with judgment in all things ; 
and supplicating mercies on your husband, as he journeys 
by land or by water. Our prayers meet. What a favour, 
to enjoy health, safety, and comfort, in all my wanderings ; 
to be permitted to see the cause of God flourishing in a 
foreign land, or rather, in so distant a part of our own l" 

" My dear Boy, 

" Were I to attempt to describe the beauties of the 
Highlands of Scotland to you, I should be much at a loss. 
Whether my subject were the grand mountains, with snow 
still on their tops ; or the magnificent water-falls, amidst 

19* 



-^10 MEMOIRS OF THE 

rocks, and glens, and woods ; or the noble rivers and ro- 
mantic brooks, winding through fruitful plains or hills; or 
the fine lakes, expanding their bosoms to the clouds, which 
they reflect from their surfaces ; whether I were to write 
from the splendid mansion and grounds of a Highland 
chief; or the lowly, smoke-dried cottage of a Highland 
peasant ; w^hether the ruined castle or abbey, or the neat 
modern parish church, were the subject of my description, 
I could say much, yet not enough. Here I am, amidst the 
unexampled and wild beauties of the Trosacks, on the 
banks of Loch Katrine ! There is the glen, down which 
Fitz-James hurried from the mountains, when he lost his 
way : there is the island of the Lady of the Lake, from 
whence she put forth her little skiff, at the sound of the 
echoing horn. There is the great mountain of Benvenu, 
springing up from the lake to the clouds : there is his 
brother Benan, with Benean, and Benhaum, and Benledi, 
and Benvoirlich, and Beneen, and many more lofty beins 
(mountains,) surn unding this most lovely lake. Here is 
the Goblin's Hole ; and there the spot where the last of 
the couriers of Roderic Dhu was slain. In it all, sublimity 
reigns ; and, above all, God reigns in it also." 



<«My dear F — , 

" I was unspeakably gratified at Newcastle, in seeing 
two little girls, one of ten, the other of twelve, the spiritual 
fruits of my ' Young Cottager ;' the latter of the two I had 
not seen before. I never before, except in the case of 
'little Jane,' herself, saw so clear and so early an instance 
of decided grace, and of a truly enlightened mind : you 
would have thought her conversation equal to eighteen, at 
least. I apprehend, that I have become acquainted with 
above thirty cases of decided usefulness in youth, from 
that tract, since I came into the North. Oh 1 what a 
mercy I In this, ' goodness indeed follows me.' My mo- 
ther is very comfortable, — looks more aged, but not ilL 

"•' My visit to Scotland has been marked by more aflfec- 
tion and usefulness than any one I ever m^de : numerous 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 211 

public and private occurrences overwhelm me with grati- 
tude. The Scottish scenery is of the very first class. 
Whatever is beautiful, whatever is grand, whatever is wild 
and romantic — all are to be found in almost unhmited va- 
riety of display. Noble rivers, lakes, and water-falls, pic- 
turesque hills and mountains, lovely land and sea views, 
fine towns and buildings — all speakmg the goodness, power, 
and wisdom of God ! The marks of affection, regard, 
and esteem, with which I was received, far exceed what'I 
have ever witnessed ; and, I have reason to believe, much 
actual good has been done to many individuals, while I was 
there." 

The following letters express his sentiments on the sub- 
ject of Oratorios, on which he seems to have held a most 
decided opinion. No man was ever more truly fond of 
music than himself, and especially in its application to de- 
votional purposes. Such is the professed object of Orato- 
rios ; and the sublime compositions of those great masters 
in this science, Handel and Haydn, certainly carry its 
powders to almost the highest degree of perfection. The 
principle then, itself, in its pure and legitimate application, 
must ever be considered as subservient to the interests of 
piety. It is, therefore, the abuse of this principle, and the 
mode in which Oratorios are generally conducted, that ex- 
cited the apprehensions of Mr. Richmond, as to their pos- 
sible influence on his own children. The worldly associa- 
tions connected with what is otherwise a source of high 
gratification to a scientific and devotional mind, constituted, 
in his estimation, an insuperable objection to these festivals. 
As a difference of opinion is known to exist in the religious 
world on this subject, we feel happy in exhibiting Mr. 
Richmond's sentiments, in the following letter to his wife. 

" My very dear Mary, 

" The approaching grand musical festival, to be held 
at Edinburgh, about the same week with that at North- 
ampton, occasions almost daily discussion in every party 



212 MEMOIRS OF THE 

where we are visiting ; and there is but one feeling among 
all our Christian friends — that no serious and consistent 
Christian will go. Mary, of course, hears nothing from 
either her father's hps, or from those of all his estimable 
friends on this side of the Tweed, but determined objections 
to the whole plan, its accompaniments, its gayety, its dissi- 
pation, its ensnaring character, and its inconsistency with 
every principle of nonconformity to the world. Neither 
she nor I could appear again m Scotland, in a rehgious, 
and much less a missionary character, if we were to be 
present at these amusements. How, then, can I do other- 
wise, which from my heart I sincerely, seriously, and deli- 
berately must, than condemn the same thing, as it concerns 

dear F . 

" I have never had but one opinion on the subject of 
these prostitutions of religion and music, at these theatri- 
cal, and, as I think, unwarrantable medleys. I wish you 
had the good sentiments of dear John Newton, on the pub- 
lic Oratorio of the ' Messiah,' at hand. I deeply lament 
that any who, in other respects, so justly deserve the name 
of consistent Christians, should so little fathom the corrup- 
tions of their own hearts, and be so insensible to the dan- 
gerous tendency of public amusements which unite all the 
levity of the world with the professed sanctity of religious 
performances. Think not that I blame anyone but myself, 
for not long since making my sentiments on this ensnaring 
subject better known to those so near and dear to me. It 
is somewhat singular, that I should, with many Christian 
friends of all ranks in Edinburgh and Scotland, be making 
a firm stand against the principle and the practice of a mu 
sical festival held here, at the very time that 1 must also 
make as firm a stand against the same thing in the South 
It is contrary to every feeling I can entertain on the subject. 
We have forsworn all these things on principle ; and what 
is rehgious character and credit worth, if consistency is to 
be sacrificed ? Numerous as my faults and errors may be, 
I hope to be preserved fi-om ever deliberately consenting 
that my children, of whatever age-, should enter into socie 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. '213 

ties, intimacies, or what I deem forbidden amusements, so 
as to wound my conscience 

'< I write with the most affectionate feelings of a husband, 
a father, and a Christian ; and at this distance, we must not 
encounter the chance of reciprocal uneasiness, from any 
dubious discussion. I will only add, that 1 have not the 
least objection to dear Mrs. M. knowing my whole mind 
on the subject, which is, and has been for many years, per- 
fectly decided God will ever bless those who sacrifice 
w^orldly interest to pure conscientious motives : I have no 
fears on that head. 

" Our journey is very active, and full of mercies. I con- 
clude that Mary tells you of the beauties and kindness of 
Scotia. She is here forming truly Christian acquaintances 
and friendships. I pray for, and think of you much. God 
}>less you 1 Take this as the hearty prayer and desire of 
" Your affectionate 

L. RicHMoro).*' 

The same subject is again thus resumed, in a letter ad- 
dressed to an active friend of the Tract Society : — 

" I can truly, deliberately, and conscientiously add to the 
testimony of my friend Pellatt, the writer of this tract, that 
I do consider the ordinaiy musical festivals, conducted as 
they are, amid a strange medley of wanton confusion and 
most impure mixtures, as highly delusive, fascinating, and 
dangerous to youth. I consider the Oratorio performances 
in churches, as a solemn mockery of God, and forbidden by 
the clear principles of the Gospel. The making the most 
sacred and solemn subjects which heaven ever revealed to 
man, even to the Passion of Christ himself on the cross, a 
matter for the gay, critical, undevout recreation of indivi- 
duals, who avowedly assemble for any purpose but that ol 
worship ; and who, if they did could hardly pretend that it 
were very practicable in such company, and on such an 
occasion, 1 do from my heart believe to be highly offensive 
to God, Playhouse actors and singers (frequently persons 
of exceptionable character,) are hired, supported, applaud- 



214 MEMOIRS OF THE 

ed, and almost idolized, ir) these exhibitions, and encour- 
aged to persevere in iheir immoral and dangerous profes- 
sion. Vice rides very triumphantly m such proceedings. 
I am happy to say, tliat in the case </[" the festival at Edin- 
burgh, none of the serious people either ministers or lay- 
men, have countenanced it with theii presence : excepting 
two clergvfjieri, one of whom left the Oratorio in the midst 
of the performance, shocked and confounded at the abuse 
of holy things, and ashame*) of being round there ; the other 
is deemed by all his brethren to have acted very wrongly, 
and to have countenanced much evil. The spirit of the 
world, the pride of life, the lust of the eye ail enter into 
these public gayeties ; and their false jiretensions to partial 
sacredness, only render them more objectionable. If young 
people do not learn this lesson early, they will greatly suf- 
fer in all hope of their spirituality. The less they may 
now. in the infancy of their Christian state, see and feel 
this, the more dangerous it is to yield to their ignorance 
and inexperience. What is morally and religiously wrong, 
can never become right through the error of youth. And 
it would be a strange departure from every moral and reli- 
gious principle, to say — ' I know an act to be wrong in it- 
self, but my child has not grace enough to see it as I do : 
therefore, I may lawfully permit him to do what I know to 
be wrong.' Would not this open a door to every species 
of sin and error ? 

'• As to examples of good people : — Sin does not cease 
to be sin, because some good people unhappily fall into the 
snares which the great enemy of souls spreads for their de- 
lusion. It is. and it shall be for a lamentation, that good 
men err so deplorably, and thereby countenance what, 
eventually, their principles condemn, and what they may 
some day have deep cause to regret. 

" No man in England loves music — sacred music — bet- 
ter than I do ; therefore my sacrifice to principle and con- 
science is far greater than that of many others. I ought 
to have the greater credit for my self-denial ; but I dare 
not countenance sin and danger, because it is clothed in 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 215 

the bewitching garb of good music and pretended sanctity. 
* Let not my soul cotne into their assembly V Tender and 
affectionate husband and father, as I hope I am, however J 
sometimes may be misapprehended, and consequently sorry 
to interfere with the comfort of those most near and dear 
to me ; yet I rejoice from my heart, in having prevented 
the sanctioning any part of so promiscuous and unjustifiable 
a medley, by the attendance of the members of my dear 
family ; and they will one day thank me. When the object 
is avowedly an act of worship- all is right, let who will sing 
and play : but when it is avowedly an act of amusement, 
rehgion, rightly felt and understood, forbids the profane 
performance of singing- men and singing w^omen, trifling 
with the things that belong to our everlasting peace, and 
turning them into mockery." 

We now return to the course of our narrative. 

Allusions have already been made, in a preceding part 
of this Memoir, to Mr. Richmond's mother Her maternal 
care in the days of his childhood, her early endeavours to 
instil into his mind the principles of rehgion, and the inter- 
est she manifested in some of the subsequent events of his 
history, have been incidentally mentioned. She died in the 
beginning of the year 1819. But before we enter upon the 
account of her decease, we shall introduce a brief memoir, 
from the pen of Mr. Richmond, in which the history of his 
family is so interwoven with his own earlier years, as to 
form a kind of episode, which we have no doubt will in- 
terest the reader by the simple and affecting character of 
its details. It is addressed to his children, as a memorial 
of the virtues of his mother : while his execution of it is no 
less the memorial of his own. 

This little piece will appropriately form, by itself, our 
next chapter. It is entitled by the writer, — 

" A Tribute of affectionate veneration for the memory of 
a deceased Mother ;■ — in a series of Letters to his Children. 
By the Rev. Lesrh Richmond." 



iJ16' MEMOIRS OF THE 

CHAPTER Xlll. 

'• Tribute to the memory of his Mother. '^ 



LETTER I. 

»» My beloved children, 

*^ The affecting summons which I so lately and unex 
pectedly received, to pay the last act of duty and love to 
the remains of my invaluable and revered parent, has im- 
pressed my mind with a strong desire to leave some memo- 
rial of her character, for your sakes, and for your instruc- 
tion. 

" I am just returned from the grave of one whom a 
thousand tender recollections endeared to every faculty of 
my soul ; and I wish to preserve something of that solemn- 
ity of feeling and gratitude of heart, which such a scene 
was calculated to inspire. How can T better do this, than 
by endeavouring to convey those emotions to your bosoms, 
through the medium of an epistolary communication, de- 
voted to an affectionate retrospect of the character and 
disposition of the deceased ? I feel myself, as it were, a 
debtor to two generations, between whom I now stand, as 
the willing, though feeble and unworthy agent by whom 
benefits and consolations derived from the one, may be 
transferred for the lasting advantage of the other. The 
solid character of her religious principles, the superiority 
of her mental attainments, and the singularly amiable de- 
portment by which she was distinguished, constitute pow- 
erful claims to your regard. If any additional plea were 
needed, I would derive it from the deep and affectionate in 
terest which she took in whatever concerned your welfarf\ 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 217 

Tjolli spiritual and temporal ; from the prayers which she 
daily offered up to the throne of mercy, for your happiness ; 
and from the urccasing watchfulness and anxiety vvhicli 
she manifested, lor your progress in every good word and 
work. 

" Although she was far separated from you, by the dis- 
tance of her residence from our own, and the opportunities 
of personal intercourse were thereby greatly restricted ; 
yet her most tender and sacred affections were ever near 
to me and mine. We occupied her daily thoughts, and 
her nightly meditations ; and now that she is gone to rest, 
and her heart can no longer beat with mortal anxieties, it 
is highly becoming that we, who loved her, and whom she 
so ardently loved, should give a consistency to our affection 
for such a parent, by a grateful inquiry into those qualities 
-of head and heart wiih which God so eminently blessed 
her. 

" There is a solitary tree, underneath which, by her own 
desire, she lies buried, in Lancaster church-yard. I feel a 
wish, if I may be allowed for a moment to employ the 
imagery, to pluck a branch from this tree that waves over 
her tomb, to transplant it into my own domestic garden, 
and there behold it flourish, and bring forth « fruit unto ho- 
liness.' I would gladly encourage a hope, that this wish 
may be realized in you, my children ; and that such inter- 
course with the dead, may indeed prove a blessing to the 
living. 

" But this only can be expected in dependence on the 
free and undeserved mercy of that God and Saviour, ia 
whom your venerable grandmother trusted, and ' whom to 
know is hfe eternal.' Whatever, therefore, of domestic 
narrative ; whatever of earnest exhortation to yourselves ; 
or whatever of remark upon the interesting qualities of 
the subject of this memoir, may intermingle with my pre- 
sent address, — keep invariably in mind, that my great ob- 
ject, as it concerns her, and you, and myself, is to give 
glory to God alone ; and in the deepest humiUation of 
heart, to look up to Him as the sole fountain of excellence. 

20 



yi8 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" In addressing you on such a subject, my children, it is 
natural that I should reflect on the varieties of age, and 
circumstance in which you are placed. Even in point of 
your number^ I can hardly pronoonce it without some de- 
gree of fear and trembling. Ten immortal souls ! — souls 
allied to my own, by ties inexpressibly tender, and inviola- 
bly dear, — souls committed to my charge, not only as a 
minister, but a parent. * Who is sufficient for these things V 
has been the secret cry of many a minister and many a 
parent. In each of these relations, I wish to apply that 
divine promise to my heart, our ' sufficiency is of God.' 
I have long cherished a hope, founded on another gracious 
intimation of His will to those who love and fear him — 
* The promise is unto you and to your children, and to all 
that are afar off, even a^ many as the Lord our God shall 
call.' Supported by these consolations, it has been my 
aim to bring you up in the nurture and admonition of the 
Lord, and to train up my children in the right way ; trust- 
ing, that if they live to be old, they will not depart from it. 
Yet sometimes the anxious fear, connected with a survey 
of the world in which you are placed — its vanities and its 
vices — its delusions and its dangers, will force itself on my 
thoughts I have lived to see, in other families, some of 
their buds of promise blighted, through the baneful and 
infectious influence of corrupt associations. I have seen 
what havoc the pomps and vanities of this wicked world, 
the sinful lusts of the flesh, and the wiles of the devil, 
have made in many a household. I have witnessed the 
sorrowsr and mingled mine with the tears of my friends, 
when they have spoken of the wanderings and misconduct 
of some of their children : and then, I have occasionally 
trembled for my own little flock. But I feel it, at the same 
time, to be both my privilege and my duty, to use this very 
solicitude for a higher and nobler purpose than despon- 
dency and unbelief would suggest. These anxious aflfec- 
tions are planted in the parental heart, and manifestly or- 
dained of God, as incentives to caution, and stimulants to 
prayer. As such, I would employ them for your sakes ; 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 219 

I would hereby the more assiduously teach you to < abhor 
that which is evil, and cleave to that which is good :' and, 
above all, I would, with the more earnestness and depen- 
dence on the covenant grace of God, present your mortal 
and immortal interests in supplication, to Him who hath 
said, ' the promise is unto you and your children, and to 
all that are afar off, as many as the Lord shall call' 

" And surely, I may be allowed to urge an excuse for 
dwelling upon this text, even in a way of literal applica- 
tion. For you, my first-born child are indeed ' afar off;' 
and these pages may much more easily reach you, among 
your uncertain journeyings on the shores or the waves of 
India, than they can ever convey an adequate idea of the 
exercises of varied affection, which your eventful history 
has occasioned us. 

'« Next to your immediate parents, no one felt so deeply 
on your account as my deceased mother. Her prayers 
and good wishes were mingled with our own, when we first 
committed you to the vicissitudes of the ocean, and the 
mariner's lot ; — and the above-named promise was her sup- 
port, as well as ours. 

*' As I stood on the shores of the Isle of Wight in the 
summer of 1814, and watched the departure of the ship 
which contained my child, with a father's eye and a father's 
heart, I mused over the past, the present, and the future, 
until the shadows of the night interrupted my view. One 
moment suggested, ' my poor child will soon be afar off;' 
the next, as it were, replied, but * the promise is unto you 
and to your children, and to as many as are afar off.' The 
thought consoled me as I returned homeward, and I pray- 
ed for my little ones, that God would speak ' peace to you 
which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.' 

" And then, again, my son. when during the following 
year we received the dismal tidings of the wreck of your 
ship, and the destruction of nearly all her crew, on the 
coast of Africa, as she returned on her voyage from Cey- 
lon, when among the six persons whom alone, out of 360, 
Providence saved from death, we found not your name, we 



220 



MEMOIRS OF THE 



seemed, in this valley of the shadow of death, more than 
ever to need the rod and the staff of the great Shepherd to 
comfort us. At that trying period the same promise came 
to our aid, and we lelt its consoling influence, while, like 
Aaron, when his sons were dead, we held our peace. And 
when afterward it pleased Go i, in the mystery of his mer- 
cies, to discover to us our mistake, cwid to prove to us that 
you had no part in the horrors ot this watery grave, it did 
indeed seem once more fuitiiled — - this my son was dead' 
and is alive again ; he was lost and is found.' 

" During these transitions of feeling, I cannot express 
how much the truly scriptural communications of sentunents 
and counsel which we received from my now deceased pa- 
rent, contributed to the encouragement of faith, and 
patience, and gratitude. From that period till her deaths 
the welfare of my child ' afar off' continued to lay very 
near to her heart : < what news from India ?' was her fre- 
quent inquiry, and always accompanied by an interesting 
tear of maternal solicitude. To you, therefore, as the 
eldest of my dear filial flock, I may, with due earnestness:, 
first commend this ' tribute of affectionate veneration for 
the memory of my deceased mother.' 

" She was a faithful mother to us all ; and I wish her 
memory to be enshrined in the grateful recollection of your 
heart. If these lines are ever permitted to meet your pe- 
rusal, my son cherish them for her sake and mine. 

" From India, I turn to my nine children at home ; and 
greet you with a father's blessing, as I present you with 
these domestic meditations, which I write for the sake of 
those of you who have enjoyed the opportunity of occa- 
sional intercourse with the subject of the memoir, as well 
as of those whom circumstances never permitted to know 
lier. I anticipate the time when even my last born, the 
babe that cannot yet lisp the honoured name of ' grandmo- 
ther,' shall not be ignorant of her worth, but shall love to 
listen to the record of those gracious affections with which 
God was pleased to adorn her ; and, perhaps on some fu- 
ture day, when visiting the grave where she is laid, may say. 



flEV. LEOH RICHMOND. 221 

» iiere lies one, whom from my cradle I was taught to love 
and honour.' 

**But, whilst I am enumerating < the olive branches 
which surround my table,' and * the children whom God 
hath given me,' I suddenly feel as if I had erred in my 
calculations. Is there no link of connexion between the 
visible and invisible worlds ? no right of appropriation by 
which an earthly parent may say, < I have a child in hea- 
ven V Yes ; a sweet little cherub in the mansions above, 
seems to my imagination to be the very hnk which faith and 
love would employ to animate all the energies of my best 
affections, when I look at my still living children, and con- 
template their immortal condition. 

" One of you, my eleven children, is in glory, — a lambj. 
safely and eternally folded in the arms of his Redeemer. 
He is the first of my household that has gone to his rest. 
May he prove a pledge for many to follow him there, in 
God's own time. In the mean-time, cherish it in your fre- 
quent remembrance, as an argument for heavenly -minded- 
ness, that one of you is already in heaven. I may not, in- 
deed, now address myself to him; but I may speak of him 
to you : I may remind you of his epitaph, and of the Para- 
dise to which he belongs. I may also thus preserve the 
sense of kindred alliance between the dead and the living 
of my family, and ardently pray for the perfect and eternal 
reunion of them all, through grace, in < the house not made 
with hands, eternal in the heavens.' Such likewise, were 
the supplications of her who through faith and patience is 
gone to inherit the promises^ and to join our own little in- 
fant in singing hallelujahs « to Him that sitteth upon the 
throne, and unto the Lamb.' 

" In the cherished anticipation of such results, from the 
free and undeserved mercies of redemption, I will conclude 
the present letter, by subscribing myself 
" Your affectionate father, 

Legh Richmond." 
20* 



'^i 



MEMOIRS OF THE 



LETTER II. 



" My dear children, 

'' In this endeavour to delineate a short sketch of tlu^ 
life of your deceased grandmother, it seems necessary that 
1 should give you some little information respecting her pa- 
rentage and ancestry. There is a kind of pleasing melan- 
choly in recurring to times now long past, and to former 
generations, endeared to recollection, by kindred ties, to 
which I cannot feel wholly insensible. A number of letters,, 
papers, and documents, connected with the early circum- 
stances of my dear mother's life, and of her more imme- 
diate relatives and ancestors, lie before me. While I pe- 
ruse them, I seem to be translated to a former age ; and 
to realize once more, scenes and associations which can 
only thus be revived. 1'hey bring to my recollection the 
fi'iends of my own infancy long since dead, and the various 
domestic relations and events of which they loved to speak. 
I would not set a higher value on such things than they de- 
serve, nor would I put the mortal genealogies of earth in 
even a momentary competition with the alliance of * the 
family of heaven.' Yet, in tracing the personal history of 
those whom God is pleased to honcrur with spiritual bless- 
ings, an interest may lawfully be excited by a variety of mi- 
nor circumstances, which are necessary to the connexion 
of the story, and may lead to profitable considerations* 
when viewed as the links of that chain in Providence, by 
which the Almighty Father upholds the destinies of his 
children, and confirms the councils of his will respecting 
them. 

" My mother was born at Liverpool, in the year 1736. 
Her parents were descended from, and nearly related to* 
several ancient and respectable families in the counties of 
Lancaster and Chester, Her father, John Atherton, Esq. , 
of Walton Hall, near Liverpool, w^as descended from a 
younger branch of the Athertons, of Athertpn in th^ former 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 223 

county, who settled at Preston. Of his character I have 
frequently heard my mother speak with affectionate vene- 
ration. More particularly, she used to give me an account 
of a behaviour and conversatioD on his death-bed, which 
seemed to bear the characteristics of true Christian faith 
and hope. ' I am,' said he, ' an unworthy sinner, but I 
know in whom I have believed I have nothing, nothing 
of my own ; but Christ is every thing. My daughter, the 
comforts of dying rest not in the poor merits of man, but 
in the sure mercies of God.' 

** Such were a few of the expressions which frequently 
escaped from his lips, till his eyes peacefully closed in 
death. Such traditional memorials should be valued 
amongst us that remain : and may, by God's blessing, 
prove incentives to follow those who, through faith and pa- 
tience, are gone before to inherit the promises. 

'' Her mother was the daughter of Sylvester Richmond 
Esq., of Acton Grange, in the county of Chester, by Fran- 
ces Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Kichard Brook, of Norton 
Priory, Baronet, who died in 1710. 

" Her mind, at a very early period, exhibited a strong in- 
clination to the study of the best authors. She was well 
versed in the historians, essayists, and. poets of her own 
country, and read the French language with fluency. Her 
memory, even at the advanced age of eighty-three, was 
well stored with the judiciously-selected reading of her 
younger years. She possessed a naturally strong judgment, 
and examined with accuracy the sentiments and the style 
of every book which she read. At a period when female 
education was, with but few exceptions, very feebly di^ 
rected to the cultivation of general and useful literature ; 
when the romance and the cookery book were too frequent- 
ly esteemed to be the chief requisites of a lady's library — 
Miss Atherton was a constant student in almost every branch 
of such learning as, even in this more cultivated age, would 
be deemed advantageous and interesting to the female mind. 
In this she was encouraged by both her parents, who well 



'224 MEMOIRS OF THE 

understood and highly valued the proper cultivation of the 
understanding, through the medium of useful literature. 

" But with these attainments there was no display, no 
pedantry, no conceit. If ever there was a disposition 
marked by true feminine modesty and imraility, it was her 
own. She thoroughly fulfilled the apostolic injunction, 
•in honour preferring one another.' Others, indeed, knew 
her value ; but she ever undervalued herself. Although 
domestic and retired in her habits, yet she mingled with 
and adorned a most respectable circle of relatives and 
friends, among whom she was justly esteemed as an improv- 
ing and amiable companion. 

" From her childhood she entertained a deep reverence 
for the holy Scriptures, and had a strong tincture of piety 
in her disposition. She read many valuable authors, on re- 
ligious subjects : and though not at all times equally favour- 
ed with opportunities of Christian intercourse, which daily 
experience proves to be so requisite for decision of charac- 
ter, yet her heart was ever directed with firmness and af- 
fection towards serious subjects, which produced a con- 
scientious integrity of mind, distinguishable in her whole 
deportment. In the latter period of her life, to which 1 
shall soon direct your chief attention, she has confessed to 
me that defective views of some primary points of Christian 
doctrine pervaded her former religious sentiments. She 
most sincerely relied on the atonement of Christ ; but at 
that period had imperfect views of the fulness and suffi- 
ciency of his work. She had acquired very humbhng views 
of herself as a sinner : yet these were not unmixed with er- 
ror and indistinctness, with regard to the plan of divine 
acceptance. The commonly received divinity of that day» 
and the usual discourses of the pulpit, were lamentably de- 
fective in many grand essentials of Christian faith. The 
spiritual truths of the Gospel, and the fundamental princi- 
ples of the Reformation, were generally veiled under a sys- 
tem of ethics, which however pure and correct, as a part of 
the great scheme of revelation, yet, when substituted for 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 225 

the whole, loses its own intrinsic value, while it robs the 
Redeemer of his honour, and the sinner of his hope. 

" Under external disadvantajres of this nature, it is an in- 
teresting subject of invest! tjation to trace the secret and 
gradual progress of the tnind of a sincere and humble in- 
quirer after truth thiouijh the different stages of its ad- 
vancement. 

"There were two circuinstancej^ which greatly contri- 
buted to strengthen and direct her judgment and affections 
in religious concerns. Her mother's own brother, the 
Rev. Legh Richmond, who was. first, vicar of Garstang 
near Lancaster, and afterward rector of Stockport, in 
Cheshire, was educated and prepared for the ministry by 
Dr. Thomas Wilson, bishop of Sodor and Man. The ve- 
nerable and apostolical character of this insular prelate, was 
by this connexion brought more immediately uuder Miss 
Atherton's notice She also saw much of a similar dispo- 
sition in the conduct and ministry of his pupil, her uncle. 
•Bishop Wilson,' to use the language of his biographer, 
* was a m:m of most exemplary piety, charity, and all 
Christian graces, who continued for the long course of 
fifty-seven years, to perform all the oflices of a good bishop 
and a good man.' His writings, and particularly his ma- 
nual of devotion, entitled * Sacra Privata,' were much es- 
teemed by, and rendered very usefiil to her. 'i'hese bene- 
fits were greatly increased by intercourse with her uncle, 
whose disposition, attainments, and conduct in the ministry, 
not a little resembled those of his excellent tutor. 

'' My dear mother always spoke with peculiar gratitude 
and veneration of the advantages which she received from 
the instructions and conversation of this relative. Her 
subsequent marriage with his son, my late honoured father, 
Henry Richmond, M. D , naturally conduced to increase 
those sentmients of respect and regard which she had pre- 
viously entertained, and rendered every valuable feature in 
his domestic and ministerial character doubly dear. 

Another circumstance connected with the early period 
of her life, to which I have frequently heard her revert, and 



226 MEMOIRS OF THE 

of which 1 find among her papers some valuable memorials 
was her intimate acquaintance with a near relative, the late 
Henry Cornwall Legh, Esq , of High Legh, in the county 
of Chester. This gentleman had formed a valuable inter- 
course w^ith the late Lord Dartmouth and some of his 
friends, through whom he had teen led into remarkably 
solid and serious views of t'legrnat importance of real reli- 
gion. I have often beard my mother observe, that of all 
the acquaintances of her own age, during her earlier years, 
there was none with whom she found so much congeniality 
of mind, upon religious topics, as Mr. Legh Frequent 
visits which she made to the family at High Legh, afforded 
opportunities of useful conversation with her relative. I 
am now in possession of two manuscripts on sacred sub- 
jects, given to my mother by Mr. Legh, to which she at- 
tached great value, and of which she spoke, to the end of 
her life, as a means of guiding her mind into clearer views 
of divine truth than any human composition which she had 
previously read. As 1 consider ther^e papers to be estima- 
ble for their own sake, as well as that of my mother and 
her friend Mr. Legh, I will annex part of them to this me- 
morial, and indulge a hope that her grandchildren may 
profit by the same channel of instruction which, at a former 
period, was instrumental to the spiritual attainments of the 
deceased. 

" I have hitherto been speaking of that portion of my 
dear parent's life which was prior to my own birth. I 
shall, in my next letter, write more immediately from my 
own recollection and experience. I wish you to profit by 
this simple domestic narrative. I feel that I owe it to 
God, to my children, and to my departed mother, that you 
should become better acquainted with her now that she i? 
dead, than circumstances permitted while living.'* 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 227 



LETTER III. 



'•In the year 1771, Miss Atherton was married to her 
cousin, Dr. Henry Richmond, the only son of the Rev. 
Legh Richmond. His mother was the daughter of Henry 
Legh, Esq., of High Legh, in Cheshire, by Letitia, another 
daughter of Sk Richard Brook, Bart., of Norton. Dr. 
Richmond was educated at the grammar school in Maccles- 
field, under the care of the Rev. Mr. Atkinson. He was 
entered at Trinity College, Cambridge, in the year 1759, 
and was elected fellow of that society in 1766. He was 
originally intended for the sacred ministry, and his father 
had considerable hopes at one period, of obtaining the rec- 
tory of Stockport for him ; but in consequence of the fail- 
ure of his expectations in that point, a change took place 
in regard to the profession which he adopted, and he ap- 
plied himself to the study of physic. 

" Not long after the death of his father, which took place 
in 1769, Dr. Richmond settled as a physician in the town 
of Liverpool. At this period Miss Atherton resided with 
her mother, now a wid« w, in St. Paul's Square, in the 
same town. A congeniality of principles and dispositions, 
foimded upon many valuable quahfications of mind, which 
they each possessed ; and an esteem, strengthened by the 
kindred intimacy of the fainilies from their very infancy, 
led to that union which took place in 1771. Her younger 
sister Elizabeth was nearly at the same time married to 

Michael Nugent, Esq., of in Ireland, a first-cousin 

to the late Earl Nugent. Mrs. Atherton continued to hve 
with Dr and Mrs. Richmond till her death, which did not 
take place till about sixteen years after the marriage of her 
daughters ; I am the more minute in relating these family 
occurrences to you, my children, because I am aware that 
it is the only channel through which you are likely to obtain 
them. The lapse of time, the distance and dispersion of 
some relatives, and the deaths of many others, gradually 



228 MEMOIRS OF THE 

t 

throw a veil over a variety of occurrences and connexion?, 
the remembrance of which, to a certain extent, I wish you 
to preserve. ' 

"We know not by what pecuhar hnks in the chain of 
providence and grace, it may please God to promote our 
best and dearest interests ; but, among others, I would 
cherish the hope, that the iwemorials of our ancestry, and 
more especially of such as, in their generation, loved and 
feared His holy name, may not be unavailing to their pos- 
terity. 

'' I will now endeavour to lay before you a short review 
of Avhat I may call the second period of your grandmo- 
ther's life. Her conduct during the single state, as a 
daughter, had been useful, affectionate, dutiful, and domes- 
tic Such daughters, and such alone, are calculated to ex- 
hibit those still brighter characteristics which attach to the 
subsequent relations of the wife and the mother. Let my 
children ever remember, that in the ordinary course of the 
progress of a Christian and domestic character, the seed of 
hope is planted in childhood, and the bud manifests its first 
beauty and fragrance in their ea-'lier youth, and thence is- 
sues that more expanded loliaoe, which constitutes the 
ornamental features of their more advanced condition. 
There is a wise and beautiful order in the mode and manner 
of the dispensations of God's grace. 

" There is a progressive attainment of knowledge, and a 
growth of principle in the hearts of such as He is training 
up in the way they should go, which successively develope 
as the infant advances to childhood, the child to youth, and 
the youth to man. There is a preparation of heart which 
accompanies this progressive formation of character. The 
affections and principles of action which, under the divine 
blessing, have been fostered in the bosom of the child, to 
the furtherance of the parent's happiness, and the general 
welfare of the domestic circle, are precisely those which 
will hereafter constitute the solidity and the loveliness of 
the nuptial character. 7'he difficulties and the trials of 
early life may have been fewer (mercifully, perhaps," or- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. ifciO 

ilaiiied to be so ;) but the heart that has been disciplined 
in the school of fihal obedience and affection, is thus pre- 
pared for future usefulness, and for the trial of faith, love, 
and patience, in a subsequently acquired relation. 

" More particularly to speak of the female character : — 
subject to those exceptions which the unlimited grace of 
the Almighty is sometimes pleased to make in the disposi- 
tions of individuals at a more advanced period of life, — ex- 
ceptions which in no respect form a rule for general con- 
clusions ; those who, in unaffected sobriety of manners 
and simple spirituality of heart, have aimed at fulfilling the 
domestic duties of the daughter^ will ever constitute that 
truly honourable class of women whom Providence ap- 
points to sustain the more arduous characters of the Chris- 
tian toife and the Christian mother. In vain shall we look 
for characters of this description among the daughters of 
folly and fashion Their hearts ^re estranged from the 
very principle of the domestic disposition. Accustomed 
to the repeated indulgence of luxurious inclinations, their 
volatile desires are ever upon the wing in search of some- 
thing new and gay, that may satisfy a craving and disorder- 
ed appetite for novelties. They are ' lovers of pleasure 
more than lovers of God.' But, says the same apostle, 
' she that hveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.' Be- 
ware, my dear daughters, of such examples : dread their 
contagion, and, therefore, shun their society. Pray that 
you may ever be preserved from the ensnaring influence of 
those pomps and vanities of the world which you have so- 
lemnly renounced in your baptism. And let it be the com- 
fort of my advancing years, to see that your centre of 
attachment, as well as duty, is at home. 

" Numberless and invaluable are the ideas which connect 
with that one word, home. May you and I so cherish them 
by sacred principle on earth, that we may be found meet 
for a better home hereafter, even for * the inheritance of 
the saints in light.' My dear mother had been educated 
in sentiments truly domestic : her chosen associates were 
of a similar character, — her parents encouraged theiji for 

21 



230 MEMOIRS or THE 

conscience, as well as for comfort's sake. Her time and 
attention had been, from her youth upward, chiefly directed 
to the devoted study of religious truths, the culture of use- 
ful literature, the temperate pursuit of the elegant arts, the 
society of estimable friends, and the well regulated plans 
of her parents' family. In the midst of all, she Uved in 
constant habits of prayei' ; and this consolidated the valu- 
able qualities of her mind, and gave them a holy tendency. 

" With dispositions and habits thus previously formed, 
Miss Atherton entered into the marriage state. The fol- 
lowing year gave birth to the heart that dictates, and to the 
hand that guides my pen. 

" May I not be allowed to pause for a few moments over 
the solemn and affecting considerations hereby suggested. 
I have frequently meditated upon the subject of my birth, 
as connected with my death and resurrection. I have often 
contemplated the history of man, through its eventflil 
course, from the cradle to the grave ; and endeavoured to 
make the practical application to myself But I think I 
never felt its characteristic importance so powerfully, or at 
least so affectingly, as when I committed to the grave the 
friend, the nurse, the protector, the guide and guardian of 
my helpless infancy, — all summed up in the endeared name 
of mother. I seemed to recall the time, ' when as yet I 
hanged on my mother's breast ;' and to revert to the ten- 
der anxieties with which she watched over her first-born 
child. And now a few short years are rolled away, and 
how great the change ! The eye that saw, the ear that 
heard, the tongue that encouraged, and the arm that upheld 
the babe of her youth, are mouldering in the dust! She 
is departed hence, and is no more seen 1 It is my prayer, 
for myself and my loved children, that we may so learn * to 
number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wis- 
dom.' And if such meditations as these may, through 
grace, lead us to see more of the vanity of the earthly 
state, the value of time, and the rapid approach of eter- 
nity, our visit to the tomb will not have been unprofit- 
able. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 231 

*" 1 well remember, in the early dawn of my expanding 
reason, with what care she laboured to instil into my mind 
a sense of the being of God, and of the reverence which is 
due to him ; of the character of a Saviour, and his infinite 
merits ; of the duty of prayer, and the manner in which it 
ou^ht to be offered up at the throne of grace. Her way of 
enforcing these subjects was Hke one who felt their impor- 
tance, and wished her child to do so likewise. First in- 
structed by her to read I have not forgotten, in my Bible 
lessons, with what simplicity and propriety she used to ex- 
plain and comment on the word of God, its precepts and 
examples. These infantine catechetical exercises still vi- 
brate in my recollections, and confirm to my own mind, 
the^great advantage attendant upon the earliest possible 
endeavours to imn the attention, and store the memwy with 
religious knowledge. Her natural abilities, which were of 
a superior character, enabled her to converse with a very 
little child with much effect ; and there was a tenderness 
of affection, united to a firmness of manner, which greatly 
promoted the best interests of a nursery education. 

" My mother had six children ; three of whom died in 
infancy. A very affecting circumstance accompanied the 
death of one of them, and was a severe trial to her ma- 
ternal feelings. Her then youngest child, a sweet little 
boy, just two years old, was, through the carelessness of 
his nurse, precipitated from a bed-room window, upon the 
pavement beneath. I was at that time six years of age, 
and happened to be walking on the very spot, when the 
distressing event occurred : I was, therefore, the first 
to take up, and dehver into our agonized mother's arms, 
the poor little suflferer. The head was fractured, and he 
only survived the fall about thirty hours. I still preserve a 
very distinct and lively remembrance of the struggle be- 
tween the natural feelings of the mother, and the spiritual 
resignation of the (Christian. She passed the sad interval 
of suspense in almost continual prayer, and found God a 
present help in time of trouble. Frequently during that 
day, did she retire with me ; and as I knelt beside her, she 



232 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Uttered the feelings and desires of her heart to God. 1 
remember her saying, * If I cease praying for five minutes, 
I am ready to sink under this, unlooked-for distress ; but 
when 1 pray, God comforts and upholds me : his will, not 
mine, be done.' Once she said, ' Help me to pray, my 
child : Christ suffers httie children to come to him, and 
forbids them not, — say something, < What shall I say. 
mamma ? — shall I fetch a book V ' Not now,' she rephed : 
' speak from your heart ; and ask God that we may be re- 
conciled to his will, and bear this trial with patience.' 

*' The day after the infant's death, she took me to the 
bed on which my little brother lay ; and kneeling down, she 
w^ept for a few minutes in silence ; and then taking his 
cold hand in one of hers, and mine in the other, she said 
— ' Lord, if it had not been thy good pleasure, it had not 
been thus. Thy will be done ! I needed this heavy trial. 
to show me more of myself, and to wean me from the 
world. Forgive my sins, O God ! and let me not murmur.* 
Then looking at the cherub countenance of her babe, she 
added — « Thou art not lost, but gone before me !' She 
then put his hand into mine, and said — * If you live, my 
child, never forget this ; and may I one day meet you both 
in heaven V 

*< I have dwelt upon this part of my dear parent's histo- 
ry with the more minuteness, because she has frequently 
told me, that.it was not only the greatest shock which her 
feelings were ever called upon to sustain ; but that she 
was persuaded, it was overruled by God for the most salu- 
tary purpose, as it concerned the spiritual disci})line of her 
own heart. To the end of her hfe she wore a little locket 
attached to her watch : it contained a lock of her poor 
little Henry's hair : and she often looked at it, and spoke 
of it, as a remembrance of God's goodness to her, at a 
most trying season. 

" These things occurred at Stockport, when we were on 
a visit to my father's mother and sisters, in the early part 
of the year 1778. The recollection of what I have rela^ 
tedj is still clear and impressive on my mind. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 233 

*• Not many weeks after the death of this child, my father 
proposed a tour into Yorkshire, Westmoreland, Cumber- 
land, and Lancashire, with a view to the restoration of my 
mother's health and spirits, which had materially suffered 
from her distress of mind. A journey through scenes of 
so much beauty as the mountains and lakes of that district 
afford, was rendered peculiarly interesting by the state of 
mind in which it was undertaken. 

" My mother had a correct taste for landscape scenery, 
and loved to trace the hand of the Creator in his works. 
She had, also, an acquaintance with the history, antiquity, 
and biography of her country, which was much gratified 
by the objects, both of art and nature, associated with 
them. Her memory was enriched with many of the best 
descriptive passages in the works of the poets, and she 
was able to quote and apply them to the various objects 
which presented themselves to her notice. My father's 
inind was perfectly congenial to hers in these things. 

*• Young as I was at the time, f feel a grateful satisfac- 
tion in retaining 30 much as I do, of the scenes through 
which we passed, and of the remarks which they made, in 
conversation upon them. 1 need not tell you^ my children, 
how great a source of pleasure I myself have derived 
from the contemplation of the beauties of landscape, taken 
in connexion with its associated circumstances, and more 
^specially in its relation to the hand that formed them. 

" To this journey in my chiMhood, accompanied as it 
was by the tender anxiety of my mother in particular, to 
direct my attention to every object worthy of notice, and 
the impressive manner in which her late severe trial led 
her to utter her sentiments, I ascribe much of my own 
turn of mind, as associated with the works of nature. Her 
little boy was permitted to ramble with her amongst the 
noble scenery of Skiddaw and Helvellyn ; to sail on the 
smooth expanses of Derwentwater and Winandermere ; 
and to have his wondering eye directed by her to the cata- 
racts of Barrow and Lowdore. He was allowed to visit, 
with her, the minsters of Ripon and York, the ruins of 

21* 



^234 MEMOIRS OF THE 

fountains' Abbey, the splendid castle of Raby, and tlie 
tomantic course of the Tees. Amidst the whole, she did 
not forget to teach him the importance of treasuring up 
useful information, cultivating a taste for the wonders of 
aiature and art, and of learning how much it is the Chris- 
tic^n's duty, 

* To look through nature, up to nature's God.' 

And now, when no longer himself a little boy, but a father, 
writing to his own little boys, he feels a kindred pleasure 
in endeavouring to excite in them a love for these early 
enjoyments of his own childhood, through which he was 
so affectionately led by the hand and the heart of his mo- 
ther. 

"In the year 1782, my father quitted his residence at 
Liverpool, and settled in the city of Batli, v*'here he prac- 
tised as a physician about twenty-four years. As it is my 
intention to write to you principally upon what I have seen 
. and known of my mother, during the latter part of a life 
prolonged to nearly eighty-four years, and as, in so doing. 
1 shall have occasion to make several references to the 
circumstances that preceded this period, I shall, in a more 
cursory manner, speak of the events of her domestic history. 
" Her mother, Mrs. Atherton, died at Bath, in the nine- 
tieth year of her age, in the year 1789. She was a woman 
of remarkable sweetness of disposition ; and possessed 
many qualities of mind which greatly endeared her to a 
valuable circle of acquaintance, even to that advanced pe- 
riod. Serious, sensible, and cheerful, her conversation 
was instructive and entertaining : full of anecdote and 
good sense, she was an interesting companion to the young, 
and even to children, as well as to their elders. She evi- 
denced a very marked regard for religious principles and 
services, and adorned them with a corresponding conduct. 
She bore her faculties very meekly, and enjoyed an almost 
uninterrupted state of good health, until, after a short, and 
not painful illness, she gently sunk into the grave ; and. 
fqll of years and respect, < slept with her fathers.' 



REV, LEGH RICHMOND* 235 

'■' In the whole of their deportment, and in the manage- 
ment of the family, my parents maintained great order and 
propriety, founded -upon conscientious principles. They 
steadily resisted the torrent of folly, vice, and dissipation, 
for which the gay city of Bath is distinguished. While 
the giddy votaries of fashionable life incessantly whirled in 
the vortex of ensnaring pleasure, they cultivated, for them- 
selves and their children, sentiments and habits of a do- 
mestic and rational character. Regular and prudential in 
all their household arrangements, they maintained a valua- 
ble intercourse with many estimable friends ; and set their 
children a uniform example of steady resistance to those 
temptations so injurious to all, but especially to the rising 
generation. Their evenings were much spent at home, in 
family reading, and improving conversation. By pursuing 
this course, they hoped to lay a foundation for future do- 
mestic usefulness, in their childrens' dispositions. I shall 
ever retain a grateful remembrance of the sober and tem- 
perate regulations which characterized my paternal roof. 
It was their desire to bring us up in the fear of God, and 
to teach us the important lesson of self-denial, so essen- 
tial to the formation of Christian principle 

" My dear mother felt much anxiety on my account, 
during the period of my residence in Trinity College, 
Cambridge, which commenced in 1789, and terminated in 
1797. A tide of infidel and democratical principles burst 
upon this country at that period, in connexion with the 
French revolution. Many young men, and not a few at 
the Universities, were deeply infected with them : it was, 
indeed, a dark and dangerous epoch, and she dreaded the 
influence of evil communications. Her letters used to 
breathe the language of parental caution, and evidenced 
the correctness of her own judgment. The following ex- 
tract is from one bearing date 1790 : — 

* I hope that my dear son does not, in the midst of his 
literary studies, forget those that pertain to religion. I 
cannot help trembling for my country, in these days of in- 
fidel democracy. I fear, too many young students at Col- 



236 MEMOIRS OF THE 

lege treat the Scriptures with neglect, if not with contempt. 
Some such have lately passed the Christmas vacation at 
Bath, and have made a very unbecoming display of their 
sentiments, at the coffee-houses and public rooms. I sin- 
cerely hope that you will be preserved from this conta- 
gion. It has been my prayer to God, from your infancy, 
that you might live and die a true Christian. I am more 
anxious about this point, than about your classical and ma- 
thematical attainments, important as they may be. I 
know you will bear with a mother's exhortations ; they 
come from a heart which has long beat with anxiety for 
your welfare,' &c. &:.c. 

" In a slibsequent letter, of the same period, she writes — 
' Your sentiments in answer to your father's last, on the 
subject of religion, gave me no small satisfaction. Who- 
ever deserts that firm foundation, is exposed to every gale 
of passion, and at best, spends his life in a comfortless and 
agitated state : for doubt is misery to a thinking mind ; and 
human reason, with all its self-sufficiency, is easily misled 
by inclination.' 

" It was a subject of peculiar satisfaction to my mother, 
that after four years' residence at college, during which 
period my father had left me to the free choice of the pro- 
fessions of the law or the church, I at length dehberately 
preferred the latter. Before that period it had been other- 
wise — -both my father's mind and my own had leaned to 
the former : but w^hen I assigned fo him a variety of mo- 
tives for entering into the ministry, which resulted from 
much consideration on my part, he cheerfully acquiesced 
in my decision. 

" I then first discovered that it had been my mother's se- 
cret icish and 'prayer^ from my birth ^ that I might become a 
minister of God^s tvord ; but she had never disclosed it to 
me, from a fear of creating an undue bias, in a matter 
which she considered of so great importance. Her views 
of the ministerial profession were peculiarly serious, and 
she dreaded the idea of a rash intrusion into the sacred of- 
fice. She had wished me to be guided bv the mifettered 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 237 

disposition of my own mind, and hoped God would di- 
rect me in the right path. Her sentiments may be ga- 
thered from the following extract of a letter, dated March, 
1794 :— 

* Your account of the motives which have determined 
you to enter into the church, as contained in your letter to 
your father, has given us both great satisfaction. , Your 
determination on this point, appears to me as an answer to 
the prayers which I liave been ofi'ering up ever since you 
were born. The character of a good clergyman has ever 
stood foremost in my estimation ; and on the other hand, that 
of a careless, idle, and dissipated, and above all, an immoral 
one, has been my dread and abhorrence, The object of al- 
most every other profession terminates with this world, and 
its concerns ; but that of a clergyman looks to eternity. 
Here much depends upon the character and conduct if the 
minister of a parish. Your grandfather Richmond was an 
excellent pattern of what a pastor should be, and I sincerely 
wish you may tread in his steps. T am sorry to say, that 
Bath has lf>ng been the annual resort of a class of young 
clergymen, whom I hope you will never imitate. The ball- 
room, the theatre, and the card-table, are not the appointed 
scenes of clerical occupation. L love the Church of En- 
gland too well, not to feel hurt and ashamed when the levity 
and unsuitable conduct of any of her clergy give the world 
at large a just ground for censure, 

' My feelings respecting yourself and the sacred profes- 
sion, have been constantly associated with the principles of 
a little book, with which I wish you to become better ac- 
quainted. It is called ' A Mother's Legacy to an unborn 
Child.' It was written by Mrs. Joceline, who was aunt to 
my great-grandfather. Sir Richard Brook, of Norton. Her 
thoughts and wishes, relative to her child becoming a cler- 
gyman, are precisely my own Her book is a very inter- 
esting and affecting composition, and has long been a fa- 
vourite companion of mme. 

' Your choice of your profession has eased my mind of a 
considerable burden ; and the principles w hich you express 



"238 MEMOIRS OF THE 

give me hope, that if my life be spared, you will be a coin- 
fort to niy old age, and also a blessing to many others. 
Pray to God for direction and counsel in all your ways ; 
trust in the mercy of the Saviour ; and pursue the path of 
duty, as the appointed way to happuiess ' 

" I was ordained a deacon in the month of June, 1797, 
by the^ Bishop of Winchester ; in consequence of obtaining 
the curacy of Brading, in the Isle of Wight. On this oc- 
casion she wrote to me. — 

< I passed the evening of the day on which my dear son 
was ordained (last Trinity Sunday,) in privacy and prayer. 
Next to the day that gave you birth, I consider it as the 
most important of your life. You are now become a mi- 
nister of the church. Yours is a weighty charge — may 
God give you grace to fulfil its duties aright. You are go- 
ing to reside in a beautiful country, and I hope you will 
also find ' the beauty of holiness' there. I always had a 
desire to see the Isle of Wight ; and now \ have the pros- 
pect of visiting the young pastor and his flock, as an addi- 
tional inducement to go there. I shall conclude by obser- 
ving, that as it may now seem too presuming in me to give 
lectures on theology to a reverend divine, I shall henceforth 
rather expect to receive, them from you : but a mother's 
prayers may be as needful as ever, and her blessing no less 
acceptable than formerly. Take them both from 

« Your aflfectionate mother. 
C. R.' 

*' Such, my dear children, were the maternal auspices 
under which I entered on the work of the ministry. As to 
myself, I had much, very much yet to learn, and not a little 
to unlearn ; but whatever lessons I had to acquire, or what- 
ever mercies to experience they are all rendered doubly 
valuable to me, as connected with the prayers and blessing 
of such a parent. 

" Peace and gratitude be to her memory, from the heart 
of vour affectionate father. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. "iSD 



LETTER IV. 

'• My dear Children, 

" I had scarcely entered upon the Work ot* the inini^jtry, 
when a train of circumstances led me to a much deeper and 
more anxious investigation into the real nature of the reli- 
gion of the Bible and of the Church of England, than I had 
hitherto pursued. But as my present object is not to speak 
of myself, otherwise than as immediately and necessarily 
connected with my dear parent, I shall only observe, that 
my coirespondence and intercourse with her, from that pe- 
riod, assumed a very serious and affectionate character, 
upon all the great points of scriptural truth. 

" My own mind has been thoroughly convinced, that it 
is very possible to enter into the sacred office of the minis- 
try, with all the advantages of theological and literary at- 
tainments — with a mind not insensible to the moral and 
benevolent duties of the clerical character — and with a 
general acquaintance with all the system of our ecclesias- 
tical formularies, and still be a stranger to the essential and 
discriminating principle on which rest all the energies and 
all the efficacy of personal and social rehgion. I evidently 
perceived the application of this important remark to my 
own case, and was gradually led to the deliberate and con- 
scientious adoption of what I then did believe, and now do 
believe to be the truth, the only genuine source of inward 
peace and vital holiness." 



[Here the manuscript ends.] 



240 MEMOIRS OF THE 

We feel considerable regret at the abrupt conclusion oi 
this manuscript, nut only on account of the reader, but for 
the sake of Mr. Richmond's family, to whom it would have 
served as a valuable and authentic memorial, endeared by 
its being the production of their father. It seems to have 
been commenced shortly after the death of his mother, 
which occurred in February, 1819 ; and it is probable, 
that his numerous engagements prevented him from com- 
pleting the interestmg detail We cannot forbear observing 
how important it is, that men whose writings are likely to 
benefit others, should leave nothing of real moment unfinish- 
ed — that they should beware of trusting to a futurity which 
they may never realise.* 

We can supply the deficiency in the above memoir only 
by the insertion of the follow^ing papers. We are sorry 
that our materials are not more ample. 

The first is a prayer, found among his mother's papers, 
and which appears to have been composed by her at the 
time her son first went to college. 

" O Lord the author and fountain of all good things I 
from thy bountiful mercy and goodness, we, thine unworthy 
creatures, receive all we possess and enjoy, valuable in this 
world, and also the assured hope and confidence of eternal 
happiness in the world to come. Look down, I most ear- 
nestly beseech thee, upon the hearty desires of thy humble 
servant. Bestow, O Lord, upon this child such a portion 

* The writer remembers once paying a visit to r>r. Watson, the 
well known bishop of Llandaff, at his beautiful residence at the 
lakes, and seeing him surrounded by several volumes which he was 
successively examining : on asking his lordship what was the subject 
of his studies — he replied, " these, sir, are my own works. At my ad- 
vanced age I must expect to be drawing near the grave, and I am 
preparing for the press a final edition of all that I have written, re- 
vised and corrected by my own hand, to prevent an editor mutila- 
ting them after my death." His decease occurred about twelve 
months afterward, which was the best proof of the prudence of the 
measure. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 241 

of thy heavenly grace as may support him in all the dan- 
gers, and carry him through all the temptations of this 
wicked and degenerate age. Let the enemy of our salva- 
tion have no advantage over him : and let not the wicked 
one be able to approach to hurt him ; visit him, O Lord, 
with thy salvation, and keep him in perpetual peace and 
safety. Let not the pernicious examples of any of his 
companions ever incline him to transgress thy laws, in 
thought, word, or deed. May he abhor and detest every 
thing that has the appearance of immorality, and flee from 
sin as from a fiery serpent. Grant, O Lord, that after the 
pattern of his blessed Saviour, he may increase in wisdom 
and knowledge ; may he grow in grace as well as years, 
and in favour with God and man. May he be dutiful and 
obedient to all those who have the rule and authority over 
him. May he cheerfully and readily obey their commands, 
and in every thing be directed and instructed by their gui- 
dance and counsels. May he behave with due judgment 
and propriety to all his equals- ; and to his inferiors may he 
always show himself condescending and obliging. Endue 
him, O Lord, with such a share of natural faculties and 
abilities, that he may receive and retain the instructions 
and precepts of his tutors and teachers : but grant, O 
Lord, that human knowledge may not prejudice that which 
is divine ; let him rather study thee and thy kirigdom, than 
all things else. To know thee. O Lord, is to be truly 
wise, and to contemplate and meditate on thee, and thy won- 
derful goodness to the children of men, is the highest learn- 
ing. 

•' Finally, O Lord, if it be thy blessed will, grant him 
such a measure of thy wisdom from above, that, in the fu- 
ture course of his life, he may become a useful member of 
society ; and having served thee faithfully in this life, by 
doing good in his generation, may be made partaker of 
everlasting glory in thy Son's kingdom in heaven, where 
there is fulness of joy, and at whose right hand there are 
pleasures for evermore. All this I most humbly and ear- 
nestly entreat, in and through the merits and mediation of 



1 



"242 MEMOIRS OF THE 

thy Son our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in whose name, 
and in whose words, thou hast promised to be propitious to 
the petitions of those who approach thy throne with faith 
and sincerity. 

*' Our Father, which art in heaven," &c. 

Mr. Richmond's mother was sometimes exercised with 
fears respecting her right apprehension of eternal things. 
The following letter from her son, written on one of these 
occasions, exhibits a most lucid statement of Christian 
doctrine. 

" My very dear Mother, 

" I trust that the letter which you have written to 
me, will neither in length nor strength be one of only feic 
such, which I may be happy enough to receive. No : 
write to me constantly, while hand and eye, and heart 
and head, are thus mercifully spared for the instruction 
and gratification of your children. Write to me on what 
concerns the body, and also the soul. The latter es- 
pecially claims our mutual contemplation. Ere long we 
shall both be in eternity : you, perhaps, a little sooner, 
and I in a short space to follow. Yet even this natural 
order of providence may be reversed, if God see good. 
At all events, what are the few short years and days of 
time compared with a ' for ever ?' Cherish, my dear 
-,:iother, clear, deep, solid, unfading views of the Saviour's 
work ; a work so perfect, that the sinner can neither add 
to nor take away from it, — a work which ensures peace to 
the guilty — pardon to the offending — light to the blind — 
life to the dead) Beware of dishonouring Christ by 
doubting of his power or willingness to save, because you 
feel yourself unworthy, sinful and weak. Faith honours 
him by believing. * What must I do V cried the jailer ; 
' believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,' was Paul's reply. 
Salvation is wholly of faith from first to last. This is the 
grand discriminating principle between true scriptural 
evangelical religion, and all mere imitations or assump- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 243 

tions of that title. Our paradox is, that * weakness is 
strength.' The soul that by faith, through grace, is saved 
without works, obtains an inward principle of love, which 
must work, cannot hut work, and actually does work. The 
order is thus : First, God loved us , secondly, thence we 
obtain faith to tru4 him ; thirdly, we are thus saved ; 
fourthly, we tJierefore love him who first loved us : fifthly, 
this love produces good thoughts, words, and works, as 
the fruits, not the root, of our salvation. Thus is He the 
author and finisher of our faith, and the author of salva- 
tion to all them that obey him. He has promised to all, 
as well as to David, to perfect the thing which concerneth 
his people : ^\||iom he loveth, he loveth to the end ; trust 
him, therefore, evermore. Such is the Christian's doc- 
trinal, practical, and experimental creed. 

*' \ preached, on Sunday, a right loyal sermon for poor 
queen Charlotte, and traversed all the useful and exem- 
plary features in her character. This day she is to be 
buried. Peace to her memory ! Poor king George ! In 
the midst of life, he is, as it were in death — in light, dark- 
ness — in riches, poor — in splendour, dulness — in society, 
solitary : — yet, happily, not dead — not dark — not poor — 
not dull — not sohtary. Providence hangs a veil of mys- 
tery over him, but grace illuminates it, even while we can 
scarcely discern through it the form of our revered 
monarch. He sees consolations and companions from on 
high. He has the peace which the world cannot give, nor 
sickness take away ; therefore he is a happy man. Our 
journey was well bestowed on Fanny, and will, I hope, 
leave a lasting impression on her mind, of a useful sort. 
I do with you hope that my valuable acquaintance may 
be of future use to my children ; the * promise,' you 
know, * is not only to us, but to them.' 
• With great love to all, from all, 

*< Your affectionate son, 

Legii Richmond." 



"244 MEMOIRS OF THE 

The following letter, addressed by Mr. Richmond to 
his wife, enables us to supply some information relative to 
his father ; at the same time that it affords a fine illustra- 
tion of the faith and resignation of his mother. 

" Dearest Mary, 

*^ I sent you a few hastily penned lines last night. 
As soon as I had finished them, I went to our medical 
friend, from whom I had a regular account of the melan- 
choly event which has brought me here I had previously 
written a note, that I might be shown into a rt*om with 
my dear mother alone. I then went with Mary, and 
found my mother in a most interesting st^ggle between 
divine consolation and natural affection. M^ first words, 
after an interval of silence, were, ' are you supported, my 
dear mother ?' ' Beyond all hope and expectation,' was 
the reply. * Do you find the consolations of Christianity ?' 
* I am resigned to the stroke, although it rends my heart 
in two. I may weep ; but I dare not, will not complain. 
I never deserved him; he was lent to me, and now God 
has taken him again You are come to support a poor wi- 
dowed mother's heart ; and I know you will be^ what your 
dear sister Fanny has already been, the prop and strength 
of my age and affliction.' I was astonished and melted at 
her fortitude and resignation. I find my dear father's mind, 
for three weeks past was calm and tranquil expressive of 
much faith, patience, and hope. My mother was reading 
that exquisite commentary of Bishop Home, on the 23d 
Psalm. He observed, at the close of the fourth verse, 
< that is heavenly, and it is my comfort.' He then suddenly 
said, ' my head is giddy,' staggered to the sofa, and fell into 
my mother's arms ; his eyes fixed, and a deadly paleness 
on his face. She contrived to ring the bell, and instantly 
returned to him ; he gasped for breath, and groaned twice. 
The servant came in, and lifted up his legs > he gave one 
more slight struggle and breathed out his soul in my mo- 
ther's arms. She sat with him two hours in silent compo- 
sure ; unable to weep, but tranquil in grief. That night 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 245 

she could not sleep, but gained relief by much weeping. 
Fanny arrived on Sunday evening, and slept with our dear 
mother. After I had sat for half an hour yesterday even- 
ing, the rest came in, one by one, and we fell into a solemn 
but tranquil conversation. My very heart was ready to 
burst ; but I concealed my feelings as much as possible. 
After a while, I went to see the body of my father. As 
we proceeded up stairs, T found my legs tremble, and 
when I came to the room door, I staggered ; but instantly 
offering up a prayer for strength, felt relieved, and ad- 
vanced. 

" Instead of seeing any thing to inspire terror, I beheld 
his well-known and honoured countenance so <5alm, hea- 
venly, mild, and unaltered, that it seemed only like a sweet 
sleep. I never felt more composed ; and we sat three- 
quarters of an hour, chiefly in silent contemplation. I could 
only now and then interrupt it by, * Oh ! how sweet a coun- 
tenance ! — there is nothing terrible in this ! It is the em- 
blem of peace and composure. Oh ! my dear father ! I 
could have wished to have closed your eyes — but God's will 
be done ! With difficulty, I left the room. I went down 
to supper. Afterwards, I requested all the house to assem- 
ble, and read 1 Cor. xv. ; and then offered up a solemn and 
appropriate prayer. Great feelmg pervaded us all. 

*' This morning, at nine o'clock, commenced the business 
of the funeral. My heart again failed me. I was exces- 
sively tried in the procession through the church-yard, and 
m the church. I was, however, inwardly strengthened, and 
shed the last tear over his remains. 

" On returning to the house, for a moment I fainted, but 
recovered. Indeed, my dear love, it has been a very trying 
scene to me. A thousand tender recollections of past days 
have successively crowded upon my mind ; and every ob- 
ject here reminds me so much of a beloved and revered 
parent, that I cannot but feel deeply. 

" He seems to have had a presentiment of his approach- 
ing end, but rather concealed it from others. I never felt 
myself of such power to console as at this moment. My 

22^ 



246 MEMOIRS OF THE 

dear mother says, ' You are miy oak, and I am a poor ivy, 
clinging around you : now you are my child indeed.' " 

The ensuing letter contains all the particulars with which 
we are furnished respecting the decease of this excellent 
woman, in January, 1819. It is addressed to one of his 
daughters. He had previously seen her in the month of 
July ; and remarked, that she looked more aged, though not 
complainino • but that she had expressed her apprehensions 
that they were meeting for the last time, 

« My dear F — — , 

'^ I ana just returned, after executing the difficult and 
affectir^ task of preaching a funeral sermon for my most 
excellent and revered mother, at her parish church. I 
took my subject from Ps. cxv. 1 as best suited to her hum- 
ble, meek, and believing frame of mind. It was indeed a 
trying effort ; but God carried me through surprisingly. I 
introduced some very interesting papers, which I have 
found among her memoranda, in her own hand-WTiting. 
Her last message to me was — ' Tell my son, I am going di- 
rect to happiness.' 

" Never was there a more delightful and heavenly coun- 
tenance than hers, as she lay in her coffin ; it combined 
every sentiment which the most devout mind could desire : 
love — ^joy — peace — gentleness— goodness — faith — meek- 
ness — charity, all shone serenely bright. I followed her to 
her grave, in Lancaster church-yard, where she lies under 
a sycamore tree, amid the magnificent landscape of sea,, 
mountains, rivers, castle, and church, around. You remem- 
ber its high beauties. But you very imperfectly know the 
high qualities of head and heart which your grand-mamma 
possessed — I never met with her equal at the same age. I 
occupy her little room, adjoining her bed room, by day : 
and it is a great consolation to me, to sit in her arm-chair 
and think of her, and read her papers on various subjects. 

There you and I took leave of her, in November last — 
but, alas 1 her place knoweth her no more I I look out of 



REV. LEOH RICHMOND. '247 

the window, at the grand range of snow-capt mountains, 
which are now beautiful in the extreme. I had no concep- 
tion of the winter beauties of these hills ; — Lansdale Piles, 
Rydal Head, Hill Bell, Helvellyn. &lc. &c , all finely illu- 
minated with snow -sunshine, in diversified shades. And 
then I think of my dear mother and how she enjoyed their 
characteristic grandeur. 

" Letters pour in daily, from all parts of England, con- 
doling with us in our great loss My mother was loved 
and honoured most extensively. Dear woman ! for forty- 
seven years I have proved thy affection, and can trace, from 
earliest infancy, the tokens of thy worth. May I follow 
thee in humility, faith, and love ; and cherish thy memory 
with gratitude and honour ! 

<> So prays your affectionate father, 

" Legh Richmond." 

Thus had Mr. Richmond the delightful consolation of 
knowing that both his parents depaited in the hope and 
peace of the Gospel. Happy is it when the bonds of na- 
ture are knit more closely by those of grace '.-—when the 
child and the parent are partakers of the same Christian 
hope, running the same race, and looking forward to the 
same eternal rest and glory ! 

" Oh I what 13 death ? 'Tis life's last shore, 
Where vanities are vain no more I 
Where all pursuits their goal obtain, 
And life is all retouched again : 
Where, in their bright results, shall rise 
Thoughts, virtues, friendships, griefs, and joys/ ^ 



348 MEMOIRS OF THE 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Letter, and copy of verses, — Extracts from Diary, — Tours 
to Scotland^ — lona, — Letters ; friendly , family , and pas- 
toral, — Memoir of Miss Sinclair, 

Mr Richmond, in his northern tours for the religious 
societies, often visited Scotland. On one of these occa- 
sions, he left his eldest daughter under the hospitable roof 

of Dr. and Mrs. S , near Glasgow, with whom he had 

formed a particular intimacy. But whether present or ab- 
sent, Mr Richmond discovered a uniform anxiety for his 
children. Their spiritual welfare lay near his heart. He 
often wrote to them, and never omitted to make some use- 
ful reference to the great concerns of eternity. 

The following letter, and copy of verses to his daughter, 
exhibit a model of parental care and affection : — 

f« Dear Mary, 

" I wrote to you on my ovm birthday, and now I do the 
same on yours. « There is a tin)e to be born, and a time 
to die.' So says Solomon ; and it is the memento of a 
truly wise man. But I may add, there is an interval be- 
tween these two times^ of infinite importance. 

'* Does my beloved child duly appreciate this ? Not all 
the charms of nature, either Scottish or English, can for a 
moment compare with those of grace ; and when can we 
better contemplate the real value of life, the vanity of the 
world, the w^orth of a soul and the need of a Saviour, than 
when the lapse of time brings round the anniversary day of 
our birth ? It seems to concentrate all the experience and 
feeling of past days, and to unite them with the anticipa- 
tions of those w^liich are yet to come : it speafe to youth 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 249 

and age alike, and summons both to prayer and meditation. 
Soon will eternity overwhelm all the concerns of time, but 
will infallibly take its character from them. I sincerely 
hope that you are systematically improving time, with a 
view to that eternity. Your opportunities have been many 
and valuable, your privileges great, — may every ensuing 
day prove that they are not lost upon you. Religious pa- 
rentage and social connexions ilone cannot save : personal 
religion in the heart is every thing. Our dear friend Mrs. 

S appears to have it in deed and in truth. Prize 

such a friend ; not only because she is kind and agreeable, 
and worthy, but because she is a child of God, a member 
of Christ, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven ; and 
as such, may be the ordained instrument of God, for esta- 
bhshing the same principle in you. Think of us all ; not 
for the mere love's sake of earthly kindred, but for the love 
of Jesus, as connected with the family of heaven. This 
alone gives to charity itself its value 

< Farewell, my dear child ; and while you pray for your- 
self, forget not 

" Your affectionate father, 

Legh Richmond." 



ADDRESSED TO MISS RICHMOND, 

ACCOMPANIED BY A LOCKET OF DERBYSHIRE FLUOR SPAR, IN 
THK FORM OF A HEART.*. 

Here I offer my daug^hter a heart without sin, 
That knows nought of corruption and sorrow within! 
A heart which you -^ee is so curiously wrougfht, 
That it ne'er can offend — not so much as in thought [ 

That its virtues are shining within and without, 
Is a truth which admits of no rational .loubt ; 
Its character, Mary, is pure and sinccrf; ; 
And its inmost ideas transparent and clear^ 



•250 MEMOIRS OF THE 

'Tis a heart that will bear the minutest inspection, 
And never prov*e ^nilty of any deception ; 
What it was, that it is — what it is, it will be — 
Unconscious of g;uile or to you or to me. 

It may seem to be strange — nay, it is so I own — 
That this heart, though so pure, is as hard a« a stone; 
It resists all impressions which tenderne-s makes ; 
But if torce be employed, it immediately breaks. 

And this heart, if once broken, can never be healed, 
]Nor the least of its wounds be a moment concealed : 
And thouj^h stony its texture, and hard be lis nature, 
Like yourself, this poor heart is a delicate creature. 

Then make use of the emMem you wear at your breast : 
With "the hearts thai are pure,"'* do you seek to be blest: 
Weep and mourn tor a nat re by sin so deranged, 
And pray for a heart that's essentially changed. 

May the ** stone" in your heart, be removed far away, 
And the softened affection? alone bear the sway ! 
They will lea-l you to Jesus with penitent ^ighs. 
Till the Sun of his Righteousness sweetly arise. 

May graces resplendent as those of the stone. 

Both within an") without, be for ever your own ! 

Let your heart be transparent, wherever you are, 

And your conduct will shine tar more clear than the spar. 

But should you offend, and for sin be heart-broken, 
Behold on the cross there is Mercy's bright token I 
The heart that is contrite Goi will not despise, — 
The heart that is broken, is dear in his eyes. 

Christ's love has no limit, then give Him thy heart, — 
In the deed shall Hi?* ?pint tree comfort imi>art : — 
So the heart of the Saviour, allied close to thine. 
In a glorious unity ever will shine. 

L. R. 

* Matt. V. 8, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 251 

We regret that the Hmits of this memoir will not allow 
us to lay before our readers copious extracts from Mr. 
Richmond's journals of his tours in Scotland. He adverts 
to them at all times with grateful recollection : they form 
an interesting part of his public life, and indeed led to an 
important event in his family. We insert the following 
extract, principally with a view to show our friend's opi- 
nion of all institutions which professedly exclude religion 
from their operations. 

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY. 

^^ July 21, Set out for Biggar. Held a meeting for 
Hebrew Testament. Collected $53 93. Felt much re- 
spect for the memory of the well known John Brown of 
Haddington, while I was in the house of his grandson, and 
among his great grandchildren. 

" July 22. Went to see New Lanark, and the Clyde 
Falls : Mr. Owen accompanied us. Nothing could exceed 
the beauty of the scene. Saw the whole of the mills and 
machinery. Dined, and had much conversation with Mr. 
Owen on all his plans. They want a religious basis. 

" July 23. Sermon at church. Went at four to Mr. 
Owen's school-room, and addressed the whole institution, 
from Job xxii. 21. Fine sight. In the evening, held a 
meeting at Lanark church for Hebrew Testament, Two 
thousand people — grand spectacle. 

" July 24. Breakfasted with Mr. Owen. Conversed 
again on his new plan. W^ent to the school : saw 
the children go throui^fh all their various classes. The 
dancing may be pretty for children, but unquestionably 
leads to much evil among the adults. Many things are 
very interesting here, but require close investigation. Visi- 
ted the fall of the Clyde — very superb indeed. Read, as 
I travelled on Mr. Owen's manuscript Some clever ideas 
of economical arrangement ; but it must fail, as it now 
stands. There is no Christ in his scheme, and it cannot 
prosper. 



352 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" July 30. Paisley. Preached in the morning, from 
Rom, X. 11. Collected ^46 98. Addressed in the eve- 
ning 3,000 people, including 1,500 children and young 
people. I bless God for all his goodness. 

^JulySl. Glasgow. Met Dr. C. Interesting and 
most profitable conversation, on plans for parochial visita- 
tion, intercourse and reform. 

" Aug. 3. In the course of the last three days, have 
seen some of the finest specimens of clouds rolling over 
hills in every shape and manner. Also grand combina- 
tions of sea, island and mountain beauty. O, for a heart 
to feel and acknowledge God's protecting mercies ! 

" Aug, 13. Aros. Prayed earnestly for all my family, 
and my parish. 



From Aros, island of Mull, Mr. Richmond wrote a let- 
ter to his son Wilberforce, and in the course of his journey 
another to Mrs. Richmond, both of which are here in- 
serted. 

" How little idea can my son form of the scenes with 
which his father is surrounded, among these Highlands 
and islands of the North. It is like being in another world. 
In some of these remote islands, where the Gaelic lan- 
guage is chiefly spoken (though not- to the exclusion of the 
English,) where diflferent manners, dress, habits, dwellings. 
&c, prevail, — 

' The world forgetting, by the world forgot,' 

it seems difficult to conceive that it is still Britain. I am 
now on my way for Staffa and lona, but whether the 
weather will be fine enough to allow of my projected ex- 
cursion, remains a doubt ; you shall know before this letter 
is concluded. I propose this evening to gather a little 
company of Highland cotters, and to preach to them in a 
wild glen, in this romantic island. The parish church i< 



REV. LEGH RICHJtfOND. 253 

rifteen miles distant. Yesterday I came from Oban, 
which is thirty-five miles by sea from this place ; but owing 
to the wind being in the wrong direction, we made tacks 
amounting to one hundred miles, before we got into this 
little peaceful spot. This is a little inn — before it, in one 
direction, is the sea, and beyond, a vast range of mountains, 
called Morven, in Argyleshire , in another direction, about 
half a mile off, is a ruined castle, standing on a bold knoll 
and rock, washed by the waves. On our right hand are 
the hills of the Isle of Mull, covered with heath and cot- 
tages. Before the door runs a salmon stream, rattling over 
stones : above thirty people were yesterday fishing and 
harpooning for salmon, fifty of them weighed from four to 
twenty-five pounds each. Dozens of children wade in the 
river to catch eels, talking Gaelic with much vociferation 
and alacrity. 

" I think, in our voyage yesterday, I saw twenty ruined 
castles, and three inhabited ones, and above twenty-five of 
the islands of the Hebrides. The intelligent boatmen tell 
you all manner of ancient legends and histories connected 
with them and their ancient masters. They carry you 
back into the days of Norwegian, Danish and Irish story. 
I saw the spot where a part of the Spanish Armada was 
wrecked ; and a gun still remains on a rock, belonging to 
one of the Spanish ships. It is on the main-land shore, 
opposite to the Isle of Mull. This is the grand scene of 
all Ossian's descriptions, and corresponds exactly with 
them. All the ruins are finely covered with ivy, and so 
are the rocks. 

" We have had much rain, and the mountain torrents 
run grandly down their sides. I think on Thursday we 
counted 350 cascades, in a morning ride ; some of them 
gigantic. I remember seeing twenty-nine at one view. 
The wild magnificence of Highland scenery cannot easily 
be conceived. Parties of ladies are among the visitants, 
and in some places they cheerfully submit to many priva- 
tions for the sake of the prospects. I go into the cottages, 
and sit down with the poor people, and talk with tliem on 

23 



254 MEMOIRS OF THE 

religious subjects. There is much gratefiil affection about 
them. I 

'• I am very thankful to God for permitting me to take 
this round, and more so for making my services very ac- 
ceptable, and I hope useful. The tempest-beaten glens, 
the secluded isles, the popu ous towns, the romantic villages, 
all in their turn bear witness to the declaration of « the 
truth as it is in Jesus.' I have a truly congenial companion 
in the ' Clericus' of the Christian Guardian ; he is just 
what I want, both for soul and body, and in each devotes 
himself to my aid and comfort most assiduously. Our views, 
principles, taste, and feelings strictly accord. He is a stu- 
dent in divinity in the university at Edinburgh, and pre- 
paring for the Scotch church. I left Mary with Dr. S. 
last Tuesday, she will soon go to Edinburgh, and wait till 
my return from the North of Scotland. I shall now lay 
down my pen, and probably not resume it until the point 
is decided, to-morrow or next day, whether the rain will 
allow of our visiting these most interesting of islands, Staffa, 
and lona. The latter is thirty miles from hence ; the for- 
mer twenty, but on the opposite side. 

" Aug, 18. My dear boy I have seen Staffa, and write 
this from lona. What I shall say, I know not, for really 
I can say nothing as I ought. When 1 entered the cave 
of Fingal, I knew not whether to burst out into one un- 
ceasing cry of astonishment, or meditate in unbroken si- 
lence of overwhelming wonder, or fall down upon my knees 
in devout adoration of Him who formed such a scene of 
sublime beauty. It beggars all description. This was on 
Wednesday : after waiting four days for weather, yesterday 
we arrived at this lonely scene of ruin and curiosities, and 
it more than answers all my expectations. Think of all we 
have read about lona, and imagine then a small part of my 
sensations." 

" My dear Love, 

" It would be no easy task to describe the laborious 
circuit of engagements and accompanying solicitudes, in 



REV. LEGH RICHMO^'D. 255 

which I am daily engaged. Next week, I enter the depths 
of the Highlands, and so far north : if all be well, the week 
after next I shall reach Staffa, the isle of wonders ; and 
lona, the isle of caves and kings. Amongst the spiritual 
mercies I have this week met with, are three new and dis- 
tinct instances of the conversions and h^ippy deaths of 
children in Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock ; two, through 
* Little Jane.' The wide dispersion of, and impression 
connected w^ith these tracts in Scotland is scarcely credible. 
I have, in this respect, seen far beyond ' the travail of my 
soul.' When I reflect upon the simplicity of their origin, 
and the little idea entertained of their ever going beyond 
the hmited circulation of the Christian Guardian, I am 
sometimes lost in wonder at the history of the publication. 
Surely, we may unitedly praise God for his unspeakable 
mercy to us in this one unexampled instance. 

' This situation is very lovely ; near it stands the seat 
of Lord Blantyre, Mrs. Stewart's brother. Close by, flows 
the magnificent river Clyde, widening gradually, from two 
hundred yards to three miles in breadth. Highly culti* 
vated scenery is backed by stupendous groups of vast High- 
land mountains, forming the very first class of landscape, 
Ruined castles, elegant mansions, sea-port towns, woods^ 
rocks, promontories, boats, ships, banks, succeed each 
other. Ben Lomond is seen in all his ponderous grandeur.^ 
and so is Benledi. The whole neighbouring scenery is in- 
deed very fine. 

Mr. Richmond visited the island of lona twice ; he 
found there neither temple nor ordinances of religious 
worship, except in the occasional visits of a Scotch minis- 
ter from an adjacent island ; and the appointment of a 
schoolmaster, without salary, who assembled the children 
in a rude building. 

From lona, Mr. Richmond visited Staffa. We extract 
i few memoranda from his Diary, written at this time. 

'^ Aug, 19. Set off for a second view of StaflTa. We 
fook the good schoolmaster and his wife with ns. No 



256 MEMOIRS OF THE 

words can describe the whole : we had the afternoon sun 
upon all the most striking features of this magnificent 
group. The water was so calm that we went mto the 
great cave in the boat, and thus obtained the finest view 
possible. We sang a hymn ; it was sweetly echoed. 

" Conversation this day in the boat very interesting. 
Returned to lona at eight o'clock. Drank tea with the 
good schoolmaster." 

" Aug. 20, — Sunday, Willy's birth-day ; God hlcs^ 
him ! Went at eleven to the school-house, and gave a ser- 
vice. I preached to a large company of these poor loni- 
ans, from 2 Cor, v. Then I went and passed two hours 
alone, amid the ruins and graves. Had solemn and peace- 
ful meditations ! 

'< At four, gave another service, preaching from Luh- 
xxiv. 47. At half past six, gave a third, chiefly to th( 
children- The last, by the schoolmaster interpreting in 
Gaelic, sentence by sentence. It was an interesting expe- 
riment ; he prayed, read, and sang in Gaehc. 

" Passed a most comfortable evening, in conversation 
with these worthy lonians. Surely, I have learned much 
here ! A day to be remembered. I hope to raise a sufli- 
cient subscription to build a new school-house for lona. 

" Moon setting. Stars most bright at eleven. All re- 
flected on the ocean, on the ruins, and from the hills and 
rocks.'' 

It will excite no surprise, that a man of Mr. Richmond's 
piety and taste should avail himself of this oppoit'inity to 
visit the once celebrated island of lona, one of the lie- 
brides, lona now contains only one village, with mc^n 
houses, and about 400 inhabitants. It is the most noted 
place of Caledonian antiquity* It was formerly the seat 
of the Druids, some of whose sepulchral remains are still 
extant. Christianity was introduced into this island by St. 

* We refer the reader to Pennant's Tir-w throuj^h Scotland, and 
Johnson's Tour to the Hebrides, for further information. 



REV. LEGH BICHMOND. 257 

Columba, after whom it was called I-colum-kill, or Co- 
lumba's Cell. St. Columba came from Ireland to lona^ 
in the sixth century, accompanied by twelve disciples^ 
through whose missionary labours the greater part ol' 
Scotland was converted to the Christian faith. The col- 
lege, founded by St. Columba, was the seat and centre of 
literature and piety ; and, from hence, these blessings 
were diffused, not only over the British islands, but through^ 
out a great part of Europe. The ruins of these ancient 
edifices still remain as memorials of the apostolical labours 
of Columba, his associates, and successors. lona is the 
burial place of forty-eight Scotch crowned heads, four 
Irish kings, eight Norwegian princes, or viceroys, of the 
island, and a multitude of nobility and religious orders. — 
It had, also, 360 crosses, which were all destroyed, except 
one, at the Reformation. The ruin of the once splendid 
cathedral cannot fail to interest the traveller, and to excite 
the deepest eftiotion in the heart of the Christian. 
From lona, he wrote to Mrs. Richmond : 

" I am persuaded, that my dearest Mary will not only 
allow me to express the strong sensations of my own 
heart, as connected with the remote and magnificent 
scenes in which a kind Providence is at present placing 
me, but will sympathize and share them with me. Had I 
not sent off a letter two days since to Wilberforce, I would 
on this day have written to him, as it is his birth-day ; 
which has been the subject of my early and earnest morn- 
ing prayer, on a Sabbath spent in this extraordinary and 
interesting island. You are not altogether unaware of the 
peculiar feelings and wishes which, for many years, I have 
cherished in regard to these islands ; and now, the desire 
has been fully answered. You can form little idea of the 
characteristics of every thing and every body around me. 
The novelty, simplicity, smgularity, the tout ensemble is 
ndescribable. I have been obliged to wait a whole week 
or suitable weather, and almost despaired of success, but 

23^ 



358 xMEMOIRS OF THE 

I regret it not now. < God waits upon the waiters,' and 
we experience it. No one can visit these islands, without 
allotting from a week to a fortnight of di?po.^able time for 
the purpose. You have seen my prints of StafTa ; but 
you have not seen them large and solid as the original. 
The sublimity, beauty, magnificence, singularities, wild- 
ness, and overwhelming influence of the whole, quite stop 
my pen, and my breath, when I attempt either to write or 
speak on the subject. I have made two separate visits to 
Staffa, and seen it within and without, with every possible 
advantage. My travelling friend, Mr. P., is of a truly 
congenial mind, and we have mutual pleasure in using the 
scenes of nature as means of grace. 

lona is delightful in another way. Here, amid the ruin? 
of ancient grandeur, piety, and literature, surrounded by 
the graves, and mouldering grave-stones of kings, chief- 
tains, lords of the isles, bishops, priests, abbesses, nuns, 
and friars ; the scene decorated with the tine and romantic 
remains of cathedral, colleges, nunnery, chapels and ora- 
tories, with views of islands, seas, rocks, mountains, in- 
terspersed with the humble huts of these poor islanders ; — 
I am just preparing to preach to as many of them as can 
understand English, in the open air. A rock my pulpit, 
and heaven my sounding-board ; may the echo resound to 
their hearts. In the evening, 1 expect to preach by a 
Gaelic interpreter, to the whole company of islanders, 
sentence after sentence being translated as I utter them. 
I trust I am following up the spiritual example and wishes 
of my friend C, and that some good will result from this 
visit. This will more than repay the delay occasioned in 
my journey, by this most interesting excursion to the He- 
brides. It will somewhat lengthen my journey and time ; 
but I feel a persuasion, that my own soul and those of 
others are to profit by it. Join your prayers to mine, that 
it may be so. 

<* Since writing the above, I have given three services, 
under circumstances most interesting and novel, to these 
poor islanders of Icolumbkill. The last by a Gaelic inter- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 259 

preter, who translated every sentence, after I had delivered 
it in English. I passed near two hours alone, amid the 
ruins and graves of the cathedral It was a most solemn 
and peaceful meditation : and here, you may tell Willy I 
knelt down upon the graves of ancient monarchs, mould- 
ering in the dust, and prayed God to " remember him for 
good ;" to make him a holy and happy being, both in time 
and eternity. I asked of the Lord, that my child might 
share in the Christian privileges, character, and literature 
of the once renowned Christian divines of lona, the mis- 
sionaries and theologians of a primitive period, on whose 
ashes I was* treading ; I prayed that if (and only if) his 
heart were rightly directed, God would make him a minister 
of Christ's church on earth ; but that he might never enter 
on the sacred office, if likely to be a careless, carnal, un- 
converted servant of the sanctuary. My heart was full of 
holy freedom, as I offered up a father's petition on the 
birthday of my child." 

" My dear Boy, 

* * * :«^ * * 

<* It is high time that you and I should communicate 
frequently, intimately, and confidentially. If this is not to 
be expected by the time you have arrived at fifteen, when 
is it to be looked for ? On one account, I have more soh- 
citude, and even dread, on your behalf, than for any of my 
children. Earnestly as I should wish a son of mine to be a 
minister, yet I tremble at the idea of educating and devo- 
ting a son to the sacred profession, without a previous sa- 
tisfactory evidence that his own soul was right with God. 
Without this, you and I should be guilty of a most awful 
sin in his sight. To any, and every other good profession, 
trade, or occupation, it may be lawful and expedient to fix 
with some degree of determination, long before the enter- 
ing on it ; but the ministry is an exception. Even St. 
Paul himself trembles. " lest, when I have preached to 
others, I myself should be a cast-away." I consider per- 
sonal religion, accompanied and evidenced by personal con- 



360 MEMOIRS or the: 

duct, to be indispensable in the individual, before either he^ 
or another for him, fixes on the ministry for his profession. 
And 1 will not hesitate to say to you^ that, honoured and 
happy as I should feel in being permitted to see you a faith- 
ful preacher of righteousness, adorning the Gospel which 
you would proclaim to others ; — yet without this, I would 
rather a thousand times see you a mason, or in the humblest 
capacity in life. 1 know what the office is ; and a penitent 
sense of my own deficiencies teaches me to be fearful, and 
to tremble for those of others : how much more so in the 
case of a child ? 

" The national church groans and bleeds, < from the 
crown of its head to the sole of its feet,' through the daily 
intrusion of unworthy men into its ministry. Patrons, pa- 
rents, tutors, colleges, are annually pouring a torrent of 
incompetent youths into the church, and loading the nation 
with spiritual guilt. Hence, souls are neglected and ruined 
— bigotry and ignorance prevail — church pride triumphs 
over church godliness — and the estabhshment is despised, 
deserted, and wounded. Shall you and I deepen these 
wounds ? — shall we add one more unit to the numbers of 
the unworthy and traitorous watchmen on the towers of 
our British Jerusalem ? God forbid ! But, to avoid so sad 
a departure from every principle af sacred order and con- 
science, you must become a humble, seriously-minded, 
consistent young disciple of Christ : a diligent student, an 
obedient son, a loving brother, a grateful worshipper, a 
simple-hearted Christian. And / must feel comfortably 
satisfied that you are so ; or with what conscience, with 
what, hope, with what satisfaction, with what peace of 
mind, can I consent to devote you to the most sacred, the 
most important, the most responsible of all ofiices within 
the compass of human existence ? 

" Now, I will not, and ought not to conceal from you. 
that, however accustomed we may all have been to talk of 
you as a future clergyman. I dare not decide upon any 
such plan without a much more clear evidence than I have 
yet seen, that your actual state of feelings and conduct;, 



REV. LEGII RICHMOND. 261 

temper and conversation, habitual and permanent thoughts, 
are such as will justify me in coming to so solemn a deter- 
mination on my own part. 

" 1 say this with anxiety, and write it with fear, as my 
pen proceeds : but I say it with earnest prayers for the 
real conversion of your soul to God, and with some hope 
that He will hear the petitions which I have offered up for 
you, through many a long year. I still repeat it, that I 
never can consent to put my seal to the question of the 
ministry, unless, and until 1 have some satisfactory proof of 
your heart being turned to God, in holy consistency and 
permanence of character. 

'*Let these pages be a testimony before God — and keep 
them as a sign between you and me — that I am in earnest, 
as to a subject where indifference would be sin. 

" I have long been studying your character in the hourly 
events of each day, in immediate reference to this point. 
* "^ ^ Remember, * they that are 

Christ's have crucified the flesh, with its affections and 
lusts :' crucify yours. Pursue your studies with diligence : 
you may do great things for yourself, even without help — 
although I grant, much better with it. But * work while 
it is day ; the night cometh, when no man can work.' 
'' Believe me your affectionate father,* 

L. R.'*' 

We have already noticed the cheerful character of Mr. 
Richmond's piety. The kindness of his heart inspired an 
exquisite satisfaction in imparting pleasure. It seemed to 
be his constant aim *' to instruct by pleasing ;'* and he en- 
tered into every innocent feeling of children, and readily 
shared their recreations. The school at lona particularly 
interested him ; and he soon gained on the childrens' af- 
fections, who' listened- to his instructions with confiding 
simplicity. Before he quitted lona, he rewarded their dili- 
gent attendance with a public entertainment. The best 
sheep to be found in the island was purchased for the vast 
sum of six shillings. But a difficulty arose on the occa- 



362 MEMOIRS OF THE 

sion, — there was fuel to roast the creature, but the whok 
domain could not supply the necessary apparatus for its 
dissection. The children assembled on the shore, and 
picked up shells, to answer the purpose of knives and 
forks. 

How interesting a scene! Two hundred children and 
their parents, assembled on the sea-shore, — every counte- 
nance beaming with delight I The hearts of the guests 
might be full of joy, in the novelty of amusement, and in 
the hospitality of their benefactor ; but the master of the 
feast, amidst the wreck of greatness, the tombs of the 
mighty dead, and the anticipation of the revival of former 
piety among these remote islanders, would taste the higher 
luxury of doing good. 

At the conclusion of the festivity, all sung the following 
hymn, which Mr. Richmond, in the glow of his benevo- 
lent feelings, had composed, and which was interpreted by 
the school-master : — 

'^ Thou God of all grace ! O omnipotent Lord, 
Fill our hearts with the power of thy soul-saving word! 
Have mercy, Jehovah ! and be it thy will 
To save the poor children of Icolumkill ! 

" Thy Spirit came once on the wings of a ' dove,' 
Arid proved to our fathers how great was thy love : 
Have mercy again. Lord ! and be it thy will 
To save the poor children of Icolumkill ! 

** When idolatrous Druids polluted the land. 
To banish them hence. Thou didst stretch forth thy hand : 
Thou art still the same Lord ; and oh ! be it thy will 
To save the poor children of Icolumkill I 

*'^ On Thee all our hope, in our poverty, stays — 
Revive, Lord, thy work, in the midst of the days : 
We will trust thee, O Lord ! that it shall be thy will 
To save the poor children of Icolumkill ! 

'-> Though remote be our dwelling, and humble our lot, 
Yet our God has a blessing for each little cot. 
Have mercy, dear Saviour ! and be it thy will 
To save the poor children of Icolumkill. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. !263 

May our hearts feci the power of the blood that was shed, 
When Christ on the cross for our sins " bowed his head :' 
May that blood be our trust ; and oh I be it thy will 
To save the poor children of Icolumkill I 

Bless our parents and teachers ; and make it their joy 
In seeking our welfare their time to employ : 
Oh ! bless their instructions ; and be it thy will 
To save the poor children of Icolumkill I 

Now hear our petition, O God of the Isles ! 
That we all may partake of thy heavenly smiles : 
In life and in death be thou merciful still, 
And save the poor children of Icolumkill ! 

" And at the last day, when our bodies shall rise. 
To behold the great Saviour and Judge in the skies — 
Then let it be known that it was thy good will 
To save the poor children of Icolumkill !" 

Mr. Richmond, during his residence at lona, frequently 
preached in the school-house. On one of these occasions, 
he adverted to the Jewish mission. The hum of the chil- 
dren was heard, " We will give, we will give !" Some 
persons present attempted to check their zeal, and keep 
silence, but all voices were raised in reply — ^* The baims 
will have it — the bairns will have it!" meaning the chil- 
dren would make a collection : and they presented to our 
jfriend the sum of ^10 86.* If not all their living, yet a 
magnificent offering to Him whose grace had touched 
their hearts and inspired their zeal. Of these poor island- 
ers it might be truly said, '< Their deep poverty abounded 
unto the riches of their liberality." 

The impression made on the people of lona by Mr. 
Richmond's visit, appears from the following anecdote. 
He had hired a boat and two sailors, to take him to Fin- 
gal's cave, a place of great curiosity, and of which he 

* This seems a large sum for lona, but we have the authority of 
Mr. Richmond's journal for the fact; where it is also stated, that 
lie repeatedly declined accepting the boon, but the islanders forced 
it upon him, as a testimony of their regard to him and to his cause. 



!264 MEMOIRS OF THE 

never spoke without the deepest emotion. On his return, 
he asked the boatmen what he had to pay them. But they 
would take nothing ; and though he urged them to name 
their charge, they firmly persisted in their refusal ; looking 
at him with tears in their eyes — '' No, no, no, sir. Love 
has brought you to lona, and love shall find you a boat." 

Mr. Richmond before he quitted this interesting scene 
of his labours, addressed the children : about 200 of whom 
were present. The master desired that as many as wished 
to thank their benefactor for his kindness to them, would 
lift up their hands. All raised their hands above their heads. 
'^ Is this from your hearts ?" said the master. Instantly 
one hand was laid on their hearts, the other remaining up : 
" and in this posture," says Mr Richmond, in his jour- 
nal, '^ the dear children stood, while I gave them a part- 
ing blessing. It was a most touching sight." 

He left lona amidst the tears of its population, nearly the 
whole of whom attended him to the sea-shore, with the most 
lively demonstrations of gratitude and love. 

" Farewell, dear, interesting lona. May I think much 
and profitably on my visit, and on what I saw and enjoyed 
there." 

Before he quitted the island our friend had formed a 
plan for raising, by subscription, the means of building a 
new school-house, and providing a permanent salary for 
the master. 

With a view to prepare his Scotch friends for the de- 
sign, he wrote to his daughter Mary, whom he left at Edin- 
burgh. 

« My dear Mary, 

" Nothing ever equalled StafTa in one point of view, 
or lona in another : no words of mine will ever reach or 
approach what I should wish to say ; but I thank God for 
what I have seen. 

*' Tell our good friends, that my anxiety to promote the 
welfare of the poor islanders of lona, has led me to under- 
take the raising a subscription to build a school-room j 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND^ 265 

which, with the aid of the schoolmaster, of most true and 
godly simplicity, will be of essential benefit to the place. 
About ^400 will be wanted, and I sincerely hope to suc- 
ceed m raising it. I have spent three days and a sabbath 
among them. I preached thrice there : the opportunity 
was dehghtful, and affecting in the highest degree. Do 
use your influence to prepare the way before I come. The 
money will be admirably laid out for the good of the island. 
I have pledged myself for the attempt, and trust God will 
prosper it. I hope my petition will prevail with those who 
wish well to the poor islanders. The prayers, tears, and 
blessings of the dear people followed us to the shore, as J 
departed. It was a time much to be remembered. 

At this time he wrote the following letter to his daugh- 
ter Fanny : — 

*' Smce I wrote my last, I have abundantly succeeded 
in Stafl^a and lona. No words can express the astonishing 
sublimity, beauty, grandeur, and unique character of the 
former ; or the deep and affecting interest excited by the 
ruins and associations of the .latter island. I slept four 
nights therein, in a little hut, such as you never saw, amid 
the venerable ruins of all the great literary and religious 
establishments of ancient days, when lona was the fountain 
of learning and piety to all Europe. I preached there 
thrice on Sunday, to such a group of poor islanders, in 
such a poor place, as you cannot easily conceive ; and be- 
tween the services, I went and locked myself up, for affect- 
ing meditation, amidst the ruins of the once grand cathe- 
dral of St. Columba ; and walked upon the graves of num- 
berless kings of Scotland, Ireland, and Norway, — lords of 
the isles, chieftains of all the clans, bishops, priors, abbess- 
es, nuns, and friars — who lie here in wild confusion, 
mingled with the very poor forefathers of the present islan- 
ders. By day, the sun shone — and by night, a lovely moon 
illuminated the splendid panorama of ocean, eighteen 
islands, innumerable mountains, ranges of vast rocks, ruins, 
peasants' huts, ships, boats, and a countless group of other 
interesting -objects. As but a small part of these poor 

24 



266 MEMOIRS OF THE 

lonians can understand English, I preached to them, by an 
interpreter, sentence by sentence ; a pious schoolmaster, 
who is a blessing to the island, translating all I said. Never 
did I see such a sight, nor feel such a feeling before. I am 
trying to raise a subscription, to build these poor islanders 
a school-room : it will be mdeed a work of charity. 

About this time, Mr. Richmond opened a communica- 
tion with the Duke of Argyle, the owner of the island of 
lona, after he had raised ^300 among his friends. The 
duke, it appears, chose to erect the proposed building at 
his own expense. 

The following extract from a letter written to the editor 
by Mr. Pitcairn, contains all tne information on this subject 
which we have been able to collect. 

" ]Much of my correspondence with Mr. Richmond, was 
respecting a fund which he had collected for erecting a new 
school-room at lona This was afterward rendered unne- 
cessary, as the Duke of Argyle built the house entirely at 
his own expense. Mr. Richmond contemplated the appro- 
priation of the money raised for lona, to a nobler purpose 
than that of a building. He died, however, before a plan 
was adjusted. Mr. Hepburne is the treasurer, and I am 
secretary to this fund. We are now making arrangements 
with the society in Scotland for propagating Christian 
Knowledge, and with whom the money is to be vested in 
trust ; and the interest applied annually for the moral and 
religious benefit of lona. We are thus endeavouring to 
carry into effect, Mr. Richmond's benevolent design." 

On his return from the North, our friend passed through 
Stockport, at the time when radical opinions disturbed the 
country. Mr. Richmond, from his lameness, was never 
able to walk far without resting. He was leaning on his 
stick and looking about him, when a poor fellow ran up to 
him and offered his hand, inquiring with considerable ear- 
nestness, " pray, sir, are you a radical ?" " Yes, my friend/' 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 267 

replied Mr. Richmond, " I am a radical, a thorough radi- 
cal." " Then," said the man, " give me your hand." 
** Stop, sir, stop ; I must explain myself: we all need a ra- 
dical reformation, our hearts are full of disorders ; the root 
and pnnciple within us is altogether corrupt. Let you and 
I mend matters there ; and then sir, all will be well, and 
we shall cease to complain of the times and the govern- 
ment." " Right, sii," replied the radical, " you are right, 
sir ;" and bowing respectfully, he retired. 

Our friend had ever a strong antipathy to political conten- 
tion ; nor could he be prevailed on to vote at an election 
without extreme reluctance. He used to say " a religious 
man is never more out of his place, nor in greater danger 
of losing his piety, than in the squabbles of pohlics." The 
following humorous epistle to his friend Mr. P., well ex- 
plains his sentiments on this subject. 

" My dear Sir, 

" I always tremble w hen religion and politics jam their 
chariot-wheels together. 1 once saw a post-chaise overtake 
another post-chaise : the foremost was going gently and 
peaceably onward ; the hindmost rather furiously ; at the 
instant of near approach (rather too near, you will say) 
the fore wheel of the latter caught fast hold of the inner 
circumference of the hind wheel of the former. For a few 
paces the two chaises went on, jostling in awkward part- 
nership, till at length all four horses took alarm, and set 
off at full speed, compelling the tottering carriages to go 
as fast as themselves ; which they did, till one was over- 
turned with the loss of a wheel, and the other dashed on- 
w^ard in a full career of ungovernable rapidity. It was 
soon out of sight, so I know not what became of it. This 
was the political vehicle. Poor religion lay smashed in 
the ditch, and the passengers at length put their heads out 
of the window^ and cried^ ' help us out of the ditch.' We 
did so, and they crept slowly on foot to the next village, to 
collect ham, beef, beer and experience. 



268 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Mr. Richmond's correspondents were numerous. It is 
truly wonderful that he could find time for a few lines to 
each of them. When absent from home, he not only wrote 
to his wife and every one of his children ; but to the tutor 
of his boys ; the curate who supplied his church ; and his 
parishioners, to whom he addressed a kind of pastoral epis- 
tle. We have not room for many specimens. The follow- 
ing are no discredit to his memory. 

" My dear Friend, 

" I throw myself on your Christian feelings of charity 
once more. I have done wrong in what I have written, I 
pray you to forgive me My real, true, and only excuse 
is, that my anxious feelings for the parish, and my high ap- 
probation of your character and conduct among the people, 
made me under-rate your objections ; I did not think them 
of sufficient weight, and I was sincerely and honestly fear- 
ful that you had some other reason, in which I was person- 
ally implicated, and which your delicacy did not like to 
name. 1 now believe otherwise, and I hope you will re- 
ceive my acknowledgment of my error in the same spirit 
W'herein it is offered to you Do not let it influence you in 
any part of your feehngs or conduct towards me. You 
little know the heart with which you have to do, if you 
think that, except under an erroneous impression, I could 
wound any one. much less a friend and brother, and one 
whom I so cordially esteem and love. I fancied that it 
w^as your nerves and not yourself, that -shrank from the 
path in which I hoped Providence had placed you ; and 
therefore I wrote as I did. Once more, forgive me My 
Vvife can tell you how much I suffered in my mind before 
you arrived, in consequence of parochial vexations. I 
looked to your commg as a great comfort — I found it so. 
Every thing went on well ; I thought that after a year's 
trial and acquaintance with the people, you would be the 
very man to succeed in my absence. I built upon this 
hope, and imagined that I could remove the difficulties 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 269 

which, on a short and cursory view, affected your mind. 
1 tried to do so, — I failed ; — the fabric of my hope seemed 
lo totter, — my spirits sank ; — I fancied there was more of 
fancy than argument in your reasons for going. All this 
put together, disappointed me, and excited my sohcitude. 
I w^as crossed in all my hopes and plans for the next year. 
Even the parental desire to visit my daughter in Scotland, 
by leaving a tried and accepted friend at home, seemed to 
be blighted. Put all these things together, and I think you 
will the more readily throw a mantle of charitable forgive- 
ness over the faults and mistakes of your friend. On the 
receipt of this, which I send open as a part of my letter to 
Mrs. R., talk to her freely about it ; and may every uneasy 
feeling, either in your or hers, or my own mind, be done 
away. So far as concerns my correspondence, this letter 
contains my heart and mind ; cancel every other. 

" I trust that you are sparing yourself, agreeably to my 
request, in regard to any of the meetings, which have 
pressed on your strength and spirits. Shorten the evening 
chancel lectures : take care of yourself yet be at ease in 
so doing. An unexpected, but important proposition has 
been made to me relative to some sermons for next Sunday, 
and which may possibly prevent my return before then. 
It is yet unsettled, and waits the arrival of a letter to-mor- 
row ; but I will mention the result as soon as I know it 
myself. 

" Accept, for myself, the most sincere assurance of my 
high and unfeigned esteem for you and your ministry ; my 
cordial prayers for your welfare, both in mind, and body, 
and estate ; my anxious regret, that our connexion must 
not be of a more lasting continuance ; and my behef, that 
you have entertained a real and unmixed regard and re- 
spect for your unworthy friend. I can add no more than 
prayers for your happiness, and a hope that your next 
partner in the ministry may as highly appreciate your ser- 
vices, and give you as fully his heart, as does 

" Your affectionate friend and brother, 

LeGH RlCHIttOKD." 

Q4* 



270 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" My dear Friend, 

" Had I not frequently heard of you, and of the satis- 
factory manner in which you and the boys were going on,^ 
from my daughters, 1 should have written to you before, a 
letter of inquiry and friendship. Accept a few Unes now^ 
however, for the sake of both. I can assure you, that no 
object lies nearer to my heart than the welfare of my sons, 
in whom the treasury of my affections and conscientious 
desires is greatly bound up. 1 often, very often, look with 
trembling regard on the future, as it concerns them ; and, 
were there not a throne of grace for them and for me, I 
know not how I should bear up under many a drooping 
feeling. You now see and know them, and, I am per- 
suaded, feel an interest in all that respects them. Tell me 
a little of the progress an/, general conduct of each, and 
be assured of the confidence which I repose in your con- 
scientious assiduity and friendly affection towards them 
and us. You, my friend, know the value of an immortal 
soul, and can unite its prosperity with every other conside- 
ration ; you feel it for yourself, and can feel it for others. 
You know something of the snares and vices of the world 
by which we are surrounded, and can enter into the 
temptations by which youths are constantly endangered : 
you are not ignorant of the inward plague of the natural 
heart, and of the need there is f )r prayer and watchfulness, 
to preserve it from manifesting its evils in a thousand ways. 
I can, therefore, and I do, feel a peculiar satisfaction in 
contemplating your ofBce, as connected with your princi- 
ples. The time is now at hand, when, I trust, in the bosom 
of my family and parish to cultivate more intimacy and 
friendship with you than circumstances have recently per- 
mitted ; and to share with you the anxious task of rearing 
up young minds for heaven. I have had much interesting 
matter for contemplation during this journey, on the beau- 
ties of nature as well as of grace. I have taken a wide 
range of sceneiy in Scotland, in the Hebrides, and the 
North-east coast of Ireland ; it is no easy task to detail or 
describe such objects, with all their combinations and ef* 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 271 

fects ; but they leave a valuable impression on the mind 
that seeks God in the midst of them. It is delightful to 
worship Him in the temple of creation, and to catch from 
psalmists and prophets, the happy art of elucidating his 
works of redeeming love, by illustrations and arguments 
drawn from his wonders and beauties in the natural world. 
I will, hereafter, try to tell you something of these things, 
and to brighten the gloom of our winter horizon by some 
of my Northern lights I have also seen some very lovely 
instances of the power of divine grace on the hearts of 
individuals and people It is a very delightful considera- 
tion, that the same God and the same Redeemer reigns 
every where, and produces the same effects in heart and 
life. ' What reason have we to mourn over our slow 
growth under so many advantages ! 

*♦ Be pleased to give my kind love to Mr. Renton, and 
tell him that I received his letter subsequently to mine 
leaving this. I shall be happy if he can, even for two or 
three days, give me the comfort of his society beyond the 
12th of August. Can you tell me where he is going ? He 
forgot, in his letter, to mention the name of the place and 
clergyman whose church he is to serve. Give my love to 
the boys, accept of mine and Mrs. Richmond's assurances 
of esteem and regard ; 

" And believe me, 

" Faithfully, yours, 

Legh Richmond.'* 

Pastoral letter, addressed to his parishioners at Turvey. 

" My dear Friends, 

" Although distance may for a season produce silence, 
it cannot cause forgetfulness in my heart. As it concerns 
you, I can truly say that your spiritual welfare and temporal 
comfort, form the subject of prayers constantly offered up 
^t the throne of grace. It has pleased the Lord to bring 
us safe to our dear child, whom we found better than we 
could have expected^ considering the illness and sufferings 



r272 MEMOIRS OP the 

through which she has been carried. Great joy attended 
oar meeting, and the affections of nature and grace were 
called into no small exercise. I desire to praise Him for 
the past, and trust Him for the future. Many of you have 
had abounding proofs of God's mercy and goodness in the 
hour of need, and have been brought ' through fire and 
through water into a wealthy place.' May the recollec- 
tions of such benefits keep you humble, make you thankful, 
and render you meet for the inheritance of the saints in 
light ! As we journeyed hither, we saw many lovely scenes 
among the mountains, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls of na- 
ture ; and they reminded us of the far greater beauties of 
holiness in Him who made them all, and gives us many a 
Gospel lesson in the works of creation. We are now in a 
vast city, containing above 150,01)0 inhabitants. Much 
grace prevails here ; and also, in such a multitude, much 
evil. What need we have to pray for the universal reign 
of Christian principles in all hearts ; for the day when 
Glasgow and London and Turvey may present nothing but 
a population of the true followers of the Lord Jesus. 
When and how shall this come to pass ? Times and sea- 
sons are in the Lord's hands, but the means of grace are 
put into ours And I know of no means so immediately 
likely to promote the great event of general conversion, as 
the lively, steadfast, and exemplary conduct of Christian 
professors. I w^ould wish to impress this strongly upon 
every one of your minds : you are answerable to God for 
the conduct of every hour, not only as it may affect 
your own individilal state, but as it may, and must res- 
pect your families, your neighbours, and the church of 
God. The increase and prosperity of young converts, is 
closely connected with the manner in which older profes- 
sors of religion so let their light shine before them, that 
they, seeing their good works, may glorify their Father 
which is in heaven. Be a united people ; give no place to 
unkind suspicions, or jealousies, or words. Remember 
the golden rule, * even do ye unto others as ye would that 
they should do unto you.' Keep your eye and your heart 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. !273 

steadily fixed upon the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. 
Walk happily, by walkino: wisely and holily. Maintain 
family prayer and instruction in your households, whenever 
it is practicable ; and where it is not, be more earnest in 
secret prayer f*>r the removal of all hindrances. Keep to- 
gether as a people ; encourage no divisions which break 
the peace of the church, and injure weak souls by many 
false delusions A good Christian is a steady one. You 
that are in trouble, cast your cares upon the Lord, know- 
ing that he caieth for you. If God be with you, who can 
be against you ? Think over past mercies, and see on 
whom you ought to trust. Do not dishonour Him by un- 
believHig doubts. He is faithful that has promised. May 
God answer my prayers for unity, peace and concord. 
Hearken to the word of truth, from the lips of my faithful 
fellow-labourer : strengthen his hands and encourage his 
heart. Pray much for me ; I need it, for my labours are 
many, and I am weak ; but the Lord is my strength. God 
bless every one of you : and may we, if God will, meet 
again in love and holy resolution. 

" So prays your affectionate pastor, 

Legu Richmond." 

It was during one of Mr. Richmond's excursions to 
Scotland, that he arranged for publication the very interest- 
ing diary and " Letter on the Principles of the Christian 
Faith," composed by Miss Sinclair, eldest daughter of the 
Right Hon. Sir John Sin<*lair. Bart. ; who died on the 22d 
May, 1818. There are few of our readers, we presume, 
who have not read the above production, addressed by Miss 
Sinclair to one of her younger sisters without any intention 
of its meeting the public eye, or aiming at any thing beyond 
the private edification of her sister. It contains a very 
clear^ scriptural and able exposition of the principles of 
the Christian faith, accompanied by remarks which showed 
the influence of those principles in her own heart. At the 
request of the family, a memoir of Miss Sinclair was pre- 
fixed to the publication, by Mr. Richmond. It is foreign 



274 MEMOIRS OF THE 

to our purpose to enter into any review of this interesting 
little work, wUich details the early growth and progress of 
divine grace in the heart of this young lady, who appears 
to have united the attainments of genuine piety with the 
endowments of the most cultivated mind. We have much 
pleasure in subjoining the following testimony, as one of 
the many instances of usefulness arising from the perusal of 
this little memoir : — 

'' Rev. Sir, 

" Being informed that you are writing the life of Mr. 
Richmond, I beg, through the medium of my much es- 
teemed friend Mr. F to inform you how greatly I am in- 
debted to the memoir of Miss Hannah Sinclair. I trust it 
is from no ostentatious wish to see my name in print, that 
I allude to the blessed change in my views and principles. 
Yet I do wish to give publicity to the little volume by which 
my mind was first drawn to the true principles of the word 
of God, and my heart rightly impressed by them. I would 
pay a tribute of respect to the memory of one who must be 
ever dear to my recollection, for benefits received from 
that excellent letter of Hannah Sinclair ; and I anxiously 
desire that her valuable memoir by Mr. Richmond, may be 
read with the same dehght and benefit which accompanied 
my perusal of it, 

" I am, &c. 

H. Phipps.'' 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 275 



CHAPTER XV. 

Death of his infant, — 31arriage of his eldest daughter^ — 
Visit to the north of Ireland,-^ Texts on the walls of his 

church, — Extract of a letter to his daughter F — Isle 

of Wight tour — Pastoral letter, — Journal, — His son 
Wilherforce^s illness, and death, — Marriage of his 
daughter, H — , — Nugenfs shipwreck, and death, — Apo- 
cryphal question, — Mr, Richmond's opinion on the mode 
of preaching to the Jetvs, — Journey to Cromer, — Conver- 
sation with the editor, — Meditation in his study, 

• 

In the spring of \^2\, Mr. Richmond lost his infant 
child. He gives the account of this event in a letter to his 
daughter ; and he composed a copy of verses^ to soothe the 
feelings of the mother. 

" Dear Mary, 

" Our dear delicate baby has taken his flight to a hap- 
pier world ! I write beside his unspeakably beautiful re- 
mains. Of all my twelve babes, I never clung to one like 
this — perhaps, because I never expected his life. He was 
formed for a higher state than this, and is taken away from 
the evil to come. He had an inflammation on the chest 
for a few days* He died in my arms — lovelier than the 
loveliest, calmer than the calmest. His previously languid 
eye suddenly illumined into heavenly brightness and 
vigour: it looked at me with full intelligence — seemed 
to say, < Farewell! lam going to Jesus!' — and he was 
gone." 



^76 MEMOIRS OF THE 

HYMN FOR AN INFANT'S FUNERAL, 

Hark I how the angels, as they fly, 
Sing through the regions of the sky ; 
Bearing an infant in their arms. 
Securely freed from sm's alarms : — 

" Welcome, dear babe, to Jesu's breast — 
For ever there in joy to rest : 
Welcome to Jesu's courts above, 
To sing thy great Redeemer's love ! 

" We left the heavens, and flew to earth, 
To watch* thee at thy mortal birth : 
Obedient to thy Saviour's will. 
We stayed to love and guard thee still. 

" We thy protectinof angels came. 
To see thee blessed m Jesu's name ; 
When the baptismal seal was given, 
To mark thee, child, an heir of heaven. 

• 

'•^ When the resistless call of death 
Bade thee resign thy infant breath — 
When parents wept, and thou didst smile, 
We were thy guardians all the while. 

" Now, with the lightning's speed, we bear 
The child committed to our care ; 
With anthems such as angels sing, 
We fly to bear thee to our King." 

Thus sweetly borne, he flies to rejt : 
We know 'tis well — nay more, 'tis besl : 
When we our pilgrims' paths have trod. 
Oh ! may we find him with our God I 

We have already noticed that Mr. Riclimond, hi his 
lour to Scotland, left his eldest daughter to the care of Dr. 
and Mrs. S., who resided near Glasgow. It was there 
that an attachment was formed between Miss Richmond 
and a clergyman of the Estabhshed Church of Scotland, 
w^hose profession and character rendered the connexion 
truly gratifying to our friend. He alludes to this circum- 
stance in the following letter : 



REV. LEGH RlCHM02gD» 



277 



*• My dear Love, 

" Was not this the day on which you were born ? Why, 
then, I must now wish you many happy returns of it. But 
will they be happy, if you be not holy ! How I long to 
see my dear F. still more decided — more spiritual — more 
given to holy thoughts, words, and works. Let not your 
mind be run away with by any thing that will steal your 
heart from God. Make no idols of books that carry away 
the imagination. 1 will give you a rule to judge whether 
an author is doing you good : — Go directly from your book, 
and open your bible ; and, without partiality or hypocrisy, 
say which you embrace with the most delight. The an- 
swer will always show the state of your mind, and the pro- 
fitableness and lawfulness of the book. 

" Become more serious. I am much pleased with the 
conscientious principles and behaviour of Mary and Mr. 
M., in their intercourse. He is a true Christian, and most 
affectionately attached to her. His view of faith and 
practice exactly accord with my own : he is too good a 
man to be light and trifling on such a solemn subject as a 
nuptial engagement. Mary's mind is sacredly and stead- 
fastly made up, to love, honour, and obey him, as the part- 
ner of her heart, and the spouse of her conscience. Oh 1 
pray for the dear girl, and treat the question with sacred 
cheerfulness. 

" My visit to Glasgow was blessed to the cultivation of 
pure regard and esteem with all the M 's. I can re- 
sign her, with full hope and confidence, into God's hands. 
Do you the same ; and when we return home, seek more 
opportunities of useful conversation. Attend, in the course 
of every day and hour, to the growth of your best and most 
ennobling principles of action. Much, very much time, 
which might be employed in an increasing meetness for the 
mheritance of the saints in light, is, I fear, lost. These 
things ought not so to be, my dear child. Time is short, 
eternity is at hand. It is a hard thing to be saved at all • 
and every lost hour, every idle word, every neglected op- 
portunity, makes it more hard. It is a strait gate and nat- 

25 



278 MEMOIRS OP THE 

row way to heaven, and (comparatively) few there be that 
find it. 

'' Never be without a book, in daily reading, of a direct 
spiritval and devotional tendency ; one that will make the 
vanities of time and sense appear unworthy of your notice. 
Always keep up, if possible, with some one, a truly reli- 
gious con-espondence, calculated to bring Christ to the 
soul. Keep in hourly recollection, that you are a great 
sinner, unw^orthy of all the comforts and enjoyments which 
you possess : and that without a Saviour inwardly known, 
all is as knothing. Examine for the proofs of a converted 
mind, in the grand act of faith on Jesus Christ. I cannot 
recommend you a more lively example than Mrs. Isabella 
Graham, the admirable aunt of Mr. M. Learn to love 
true religion in others, whoever they may be. Shun party 
prejudice, as the bane of charity and the curse of the 
church. God's love is not limited to us, and our division 
of the church of Christ ; why then ought ours ? Far be it 
from us to feel alienation from any whom He is leading 
heavenwards. 

" Pray think of the general tenor of this letter, for my 
sake, and for your own sake. I have much spiritual un- 
easiness about all my children, and most anxiously wish to 
see them grow in grace. Without this, all is dead. I 
want to see them useful to others around them, and patterns 
to one another, and comforts to me in all things." 



The union took place at Turvey, in the spring of U 
and the writer of this Memoir had the pleasure of officia- 
ting on the occasion. On the day of Miss Richmond's 
marriage, her father addressed to her the following inte- 
resting letter : — 

" I this day consign you, my beloved daughter, into the 
hands of one whom I believe to be a man of God, and 
who will watch over your eternal as well as your temporal 
interests. I trust that your union is formed in the simpHci- 
ty of faith, hope, and love. Give yourself up, first to God., 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 279 

and then to your husband, for Christ's sake. Pray for 
grace to conduct yourself aright, in the new station of a 
wife. Never depend for a single moment, on the strength 
of your own feeble nature. Live constantly by faith on 
the Son of God : relying on him for the graces of domes- 
tic life, as well as those of a more general character. En- 
deavour in all things to please God, and you will be sure to 
please all whom you ought to please. 

" Expect the trials and crosses incident to the earthly 
pilgrimage ; but expect also by the mercies and merits of 
Jesus Christ, to be enabled to pass through them with 
safety and peace. 

" Love, honour, and obey your husband, for the Lord's 
sake. Do it upon deep conscientious principles, as in the 
constant sight of God. Think much on the love of Christ 
to poor sinners ; and live upon this love, as food and medi- 
cine to your own soul. 

" Be cheerful without levity ; be grave without morose- 
ness ; be devout without affectation ; be firm without ob- 
stinacy ; be diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving 
the Lord in all things. 

" Although you leave your father's house, I know yoa 
will not leave its principles, any more than its love. 
Though separated, we shall be closely united, — though out 
of sight, yet never out of mind : you will think of us, and 
we of^ you^ with affections tender, rational and abiding* 
We shall often meet at the throne of grace, and welcome 
each other, and be welcomed there ; we shall oflen meet 
in the correspondences of heart and pen. We shall, if 
God permit, sometimes meet in sweet personal intercourse 
again ; we shall often meet in the affectionate reveries of 
imagination. And oh ! may we at last meet to part no 
more, in the house not made with hands, eternal in the 
heavens. 

" Study your own and your husband's dispositions, that 
you may cultivate true conjugal peace and love Ever be 
ready to open your heart to him on things spiritual as well 
as temporal. Disappoint him not herein, forhe wdll watch 



280 MEMOIRS OF THE 

over your soul, as one that must give account. A minis- 
ter's public labours are intimately connet ted with his pri- 
vate and domestic consolations. A minister's wite may be 
a main-spring of encouragement or discouragement to her 
husband, in all his arduous and anxious occupations for the 
good of his flock. On her example and demeanour very 
much may often depend. Keep this always in mind, and 
look up to Christ for gracious help. Feei with, and for 
your husband, in all his parochial and congregational inte- 
rests, as well as in those which are simply domestic — they 
ought to be inseparable. Cultivate a deep and personal 
piety. Imitate the holy women of old, and let your adorn- 
ing be like unto theirs : St. Peter can tell you what this is. 

*' I rejoice in your lot ; I can see the hand of God in it. 
This is a token for good to us all. 

" Go, dear Mary, to your husband's house ; and may 
the presence and blessing of the Lord go with you : 1 
commend you to his holy keeping, with confidence. 
Faithful is He that hath promised, and He will do it. We 
shall have pledged our vows at the table of the Lord, at 
this interesting period : may this strengthen and animate 
our hearts to serve and trust him On this day, the Spirit 
was poured out on the primitive church with great power, — 
inay we this day receive the earnest of His love in much 
simplicity. 

" Grace, peace, and mercy, be with my beloved daughter, 
and with her affectionate father, 

LeGH RlCHM0?iD.*' 

The year after the marriage of his daughter, Mr. Rich- 
mond paid a visit to the North of Ireland. He staid there 
t>ut a short time. We can furnish the reader with no other 
particulars than are contained in the subjoined letter to his 
friend, Mr. Higgins, of Turvey Abbey. 

'' My dear Sir, 

" Owing to some domestic circumstajiees, connected 
with, our dear daughter's confinement, indisposition, and 



REV. LEOH RICHMOND* 281 

recovery, we have been detained here beyond our expecta- 
tions ; but in our absence, we think and talk much of our 
Turvey friends, and anticipate the restoration to their so- 
ciety with much pleasure. During my wife's more retired 
occupation of nursing, and superintending household affairs 
in Glasgow, I have had interesting opportunities of seeing 
districts of much beauty and curiosity. I have again visit- 
ed Staffa and lona, and several other of the Western 
islands. I have also seen the Giant's Causeway, and the 
highly romantic and sublime coast of Antrim, in Ireland, 
including a journey of seventy miles by land to Belfast. 
I was very glad to find, that amidst all the misery and mis- 
chief of many other parts of Ireland, one district in the 
North is very quiet, and comparatively comfortable. I 
travelled in an open vehicle until midnight, without fear or 
danger. But not so, had I traversed the territories of 
Captain Rock. The North of Ireland is chiefly Protes- 
tant, although not exclusively so. I had the opportunity 
of observing there, as in Scotland, that in exact proportion 
to the universality and superiority of the school education 
of the children of the poor, good or bad conduct prevails 
in the different districts. With mental attainments and 
useful instruction, an elevation and stabihty of character, 
and a happy adaptation of mind to circumstances, is gene- 
rally formed. Subject to occasional exceptions, I feel con- 
fident that the three kingdoms will owe their future and 
final prosperity to the great advances and improvements 
made in general education. Nothing can more illustrate 
this fact, than the comparison between Scotland and Ire- 
land, and the contrasted districts of educated or uneduca- 
ted Ireland and Scotland with each other. For, in some 
of the remote islands, and Highlands of even Scotland, 
much is yet to be done. You would not be sorry that the 
Popish question was lost in Parliament, neither was I : I 
am convinced, that we are safer as we are ; although 
equally convinced, that many good men most conscien- 
tiously think otherwise ; but I was glad when I saw the 
result. I grieve at the violence with which the subject 

23* 



^2 MEMOIRS OF THE 

lias been too often argued on both sides, and at the conse- 
fluent irritation of parties. 

" From ray children's account, the boys are going on 
very well with Mr. Ayre, and, I trust, will improve much 
under his tuition. May God be pleased to enable us to 
bring them up in * the nurture and admonition of the 
Lord,' and to see them, as much as possible, preserved 
from the abounding snares and evils of the corrupt world 
♦in which their lot must be cast. 

'' We have had recent accounts of, and from Nugent :^ 
and all very satisfactory. That subject, my dear sir, was 
a bitter, but is turned into a cordial. I feel great reason 
to be thankful. We have often drank from your cups, so 
^kindly given to Mrs. M., and the remembrances of Turvey 
have sweetened the draughts. She is most happy in her 
husband, a man and a minister of sterhng worth ; they are 
most comfortable in each other, and live in much respecta- 
bility and domestic love. I must, also, gratify the feelings 
of a newly-made grandfather, by praising little Mary Mar- 
shall the second, and obsening that she is a very nice little 
girl. 

" The beauty of nature, and its accompanying scenery, 
is now great indeed. I cannot convey to paper the mag- 
nificence of the moimtains, the loveliness of the plains, the 
sublimity of the rocks, the splendour of the ocean, the di- 
versity of the islands, the wonders of basaltic columns, the 
awfulness of the caves, nor the combinations of effects 
produced by them all together. I cannot depict the nume- 
rous ivy-girt ruins of feudal castles, nor the groves and 
woods of the mansions and villas of lairds and lords ; but 
you know something of them, and must conceive, in ima- 
gination, what your friend is unable to describe. My great 
desire is, to seek and find God in them all, and to adore 
him there. 

'< You will present my kind regards to Mrs. H., in which 
aU here unite. To your children likewise, give every good 

"^ His eldest son, then in India. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 283 

wish and blessing. Accept the same for yourself, and be 
assured of my friendly and Christian desire that you may, 
through the blessing of God and his crucified Son, ' so pass 
through things temporal that you finally lose not the things 
eternal.' Such wishes and prayers become us whilst we 
are here, and their answers may be our crown of glory 
when we depart hence- and are no more seen." 

About this time, the church at Turvey was inspected by 
the archdeacon, who expressed his approbation of the neat- 
ness and good order with which every thing appeared to be 
conducted. The church is a singular building, having 
three chancels annexed to it. In one of these are the 
monuments of the Mordaunts ; the middle chancel contains 
the font and communion table ; and the third was used for 
the evening instruction of the school?, where Mr. Rich- 
mond catechised and preached to the children. A most 
appropriate selection of texts are inscribed on the walls of 
each of these chancels, as well as in the body of the church, 
chosen by Mr. Richmond with great care, and they exhibit 
a complete system of divinity. " I wish," said our excel- 
lent friend, " when I can no longer preach to my flock, 
that the walls should remind them of what they have heard 
from me. The eye, though wandering in thoughtless va- 
cancy, may catch something to affect the heart." 

We regret that we cannot supply the reader with a map 
of the interior of Turvey church. The admirable order of 
the texts, which display both the taste and piety of the de- 
parted rector, might afford a model for similar arrange- 
ments in other churches. 

The following are extracts from an interesting letter, 
written to liis daughter F , about this time : — 

" Fully as I can enter into the beauties of works of fic- 
tion, yet I exceedingly dread their tendency. The utmost 
caution is requisite in meddling with them. The novelist I 
unequivocally proscribe, and many of the poets, and their 
poems, which are only nets to catch young minds in the 



^284 MEMOIRS OF the: 

maze of Satan. It is a maxim in regard to books as well 
as companions, that what does not improve, invariably in- 
jures. Few things in this world are merely negative and 
harmless : they either do us good, when sanctified by the 
Spirit ; or they do us harm, by stealing our hearts from God, 
Even the beauties and wonders of nature, in an unsanctifi- 
ed mind, excite nothing beyond natural affections — pleasure 
and surprise. If Christ is not sought for there, we may 
rise no higher than mere tourists, rhymists. and painters. 
Whether we eat, or drink, or travel, or read, or converse, 
or philosophize — all, all must be done to the glory of God/' 

The tours of Mr. Richmond which we have already laid 
before the reader, were undertaken at the solicitation of the 
Church Missionary and Jews Societies. He often made 
voluntary excursions of a smaller extent, to assist in the 
formation of branch Bible Societies ; and he usually at- 
tended the annual meetings of the auxiliaries to the parent 
institution, within his own neighbourhood, where he was 
allowed to be one of the most efficient instruments in their 
establishment and confirmation. 

In this year, he was appointed by the committee of the 
Parent Society in London, to accompany one of their se- 
cretaries (Dr. Steinkopff,) to Chichester, Portsmouth, 
Southampton, and the Isle of Wight. The recollections of 
his former residence were too strongly associated with all 
the early events of his ministry, not to render the proposal 
highly acceptable to him. 

We venture to make a few extracts from Mr. Rich- 
mond's journal at this time, being the last we shall have oc- 
casioM to notice. We trace in them his usual taste for the 
beauties of nature, with a growing spirituality and devoted- 
Hess of heart, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 285 



JOURNAL. 

*• Aug 9,1, Saw views of the Isle of Wight. What as- 
isocialions crowd upon my heart ! Joyfully and affection- 
ately received by my old friends, Mr. and Mrs. T., in the 
dock -yard. Talked over old times — about the Isle of 
Wight, Brading, Bembridge, &;c. 

** I entreat thee, < > my God, to sanctify this season to my 
soul and to the souls of others ! May this visit be a bless- 
ing. Time is going on — eternity is at hand. Strengthen 
my heart, head, and tongue, and keep me from evil. 

" Aug, 28. Proceeded to Southampton. Profitable 
conversation with Dr. S , on the necessity of retirement and 
prayer, in the midst of public and official duties. My af- 
fections greatly exercised to-day by the topics of my speech 
— never more so. 

" Lord, guide me in this pilgrimage I Keep ray heart — 
give me judgment — direct my tongue — preser\'e me from 
sin I 

" Aug, 29. Went to the Bible meeting at Southampton. 
I told the miners' story.* A poor widow brought an in- 
teresting girl, named Mitchell, about eighteen, to acknow- 
ledge, with tears of grateful affection, how much she was 
indebted to the tract of ' The Young Cottager,' for a 
change of heart and hope. She showed a simpHcity of 
character that affected me greatly. Sailed to Cowes. Pro- 
ceeded to Newport. I am once more in the Isle of Wight 

* The story to which he alludes is very aflfecting:. In one of the 
Newcastle collieries, 35 men and 41 boys died by suffocation, or 
were starved to death. One of the boys, with a bit of pointed iron, 
engraved on a tin box which the colhers use, this last messag^e to 
his mother : — ^* Fret not, my dear mother, for we are singing the 
praises of God while we have time. Mother, follow God more 
than ever I did. Joseph, be a good lad to God and mother." Mr. 
Richmond brought the nox from the North and by showing it to 
his friends, awakened in their hearts feelings of the most lively in- 
terest. 



•286 MEMOIRS OF THE 

— God bless this visit. My heart yearns over this spot. 
Lord, sanctify all things to me and thy children ! and daily 
add to the church such as shall be saved. 

" Newport, Aug. 30. Mel Robert Wallbridge,* and 
talked about his sister and father. Attended the Bible 
meeting. Entered at large into Isle of Wight feelings, 
Much affection manifested. 

A number of persons came in the evening, and joined 
us in family prayer. I expounded and prayed. It was an 
affecting season How my heart feels these scenes and 
interviews ! Lord, sanctify all this to my own soul ! The 
Brading pulpit is offered me for Sunday mornmg. 

" Aug. 31. (^Saturday.) Fixed to have a Bible meet- 
ing on Thursday next. Set out with my daughter Fanny^ 
and went through Brading, to Mr. L's cottage at Sandown- 
All the way felt strong associations. Every tree, hedge^. 
gate, house, revived them. Went to Shankiin, to the 
Chine. Exquisite views. Dined in the Chine. Return- 
ed through Brading. Was much affected on reading many 
grave-stones — so many that I once well knew ! Drank tea 
with the curate. Finally settled that I should preach to- 
morrow, at Brading. May my soul be directed into all 
truth. I felt much while sitting in the Brading vicarage 
parlour — so many domestic recollections ! 

''Sept. 1. (^Sunday.) A most affecting day. Before 
church, saw many friends, who most affectionately greeted 
me. Preached. from Ps. viii 4 — * What is man, that thou 
art mindful of him ? and the son of man, that thou visitest 
him V Church most crowded. I was much affected by the 
whole scene. Mr. T., the curate, acted in a very friendly 
manner. After many interesting circumstances went to 
Ryde, and preached there in the afternoon. At eight, 
went to Mrs. Y., at Bank Cottage, where a multitude of 
people heard me expound and pray. How many gave me 
the affectionate right-hand of fellowsiiip ! I expounded 
from John vii. 37. — < In the last day, that great day of the 

* This was the brother of his Dairyman's daughter. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 287 

feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let 
him come unto me and drink.' 

" What scenes are these ! How far removed from the 
pomps and vanities of this world ! 

" Sept. 2. Went to Brading. Showed Jane's cottage 
to Fanny. Called on numbers of people. Much friendly 
and kind reception at Brading : much religious and devo- 
tional feeling in every direction. 

" Sept. 3. Went to Bembridge. Interesting in the ex^ 
treme. Saw old Mr. G. dying, and happy in death. Call- 
ed at the G's. Found the whole family full of love, affec- 
tion, and piety. Went to Mr. K's, and various others. 
All respect and affection. Ascended Bembridge Down : 
the finest prospect in the island. Had a delightful religious 
party in the evening. Exposition and prayer. Settled to 
have a distribution of tracts at Bembridge, on Thursday, if 
fine. 

•' God grant me grace to go through all these affecting 
scenes profitably to myself and others ! 

" Sept, 5. A day much to be remembered. After break- 
fast, went with Mr. Butterworth, &c., to distribute tracts, 
according to promise, at Bembridge Point ; to which I had 
invited all the population of Bembridge. The most af- 
fecting and affectionate scene ever witnessed. Such meet- 
ings, welcomes, congratulations, smiles, tears, salutations, 
from some hundred persons — men, women, and children ! 
It is indelibly impressed upon my mind, and beggars all 
description. 

" Had many proofs of past usefulness. God bless this 
day to me and many ! On returning home, found a de- 
lightful letter from my dear wife, about the Isle of Wight : 
God bless and preserve her. Expounded 23d Psalm. Oh ! 
that this day may be remembered for good ! 

" Sept. 6. Visited Robert Wallbridge and Mrs. A. 
Had much useful conversation about the Dairyman's 
Daughter. She gave me a lock of her hair. W^e went to 
Arreton church, and visited her grave. 



288 MEMOIRS or the 

.*' Sept, 12. A day to be much remembered. On this 
day twenty-five years since, I first read Mr. Wilberforce's 
book on Christianity, in my httle study, in the vicarage 
house at Brading ; and thence and then received my first 
serious, and I hope saving impressions. 

" A memorial stone was this day put up over the grave of 
httle Jane, the young cottager—my first convert and seal in 
Brading. Multitudes attended — old and young, from all 
the vicinity. Her parents bent, weeping, over the grave* 
What did I not feel 1 We then adjourned to the cottage 
where she lived and died, and I distributed a number of 
• Young Cottager' tracts to the inhabitants and neighbour- 
hood, who came in throngs to receive them. A truly afiTect- 
ing scene I 

" Sept. 18. A stone was this day put up for the Dairy- 
man's Daughter, in Arreton church-yard. 

* To God be all the praise.' '' 

After preaching several times to large congregations, he 
took an affectionate farewell of his numerous friends in the 
Isle of Wight. 

Extract from a pastoral letter from the Isle of Wight. 

" Dear Christian Friends, 

<« Although I have been preventeti from writing to you 
before, by daily occupations, I have borne you on my heart, 
and hfted up my prayers to God for your welfare. I have 
been received by my old friends in this island with warm 
affection. Some whom I remembered, have gone to their 
rest, and are with the Lord ; others are growing old, but 
God blesses them, even to hoar hairs. Some bring their 
children, and their children's children to me, and bless God 
for their piety, tracing it to the prayers we formerly offered 
up together. I have been much affected in visiting the 
churchyard, and reading the names of so many of my old 
neighbours inscribed on the grave-stones. Time passes- 



REV. LEGH RICH3I0XD. 289 

away— eternity is at hand. You have also been rem":nde<l 
of this by two sudden deaths among yourselves. May 
such things be deeply impressed upon your hearts. 

** I long much for your stability and increase in the grace 
of Christ, and am often exercised with fear?, les^t the 
weakness of your nature, and the cares of the world.. 
,^hould beguile any of you into inconsistencies in your 
•Christian course. Look well to your families, correct 
what you see to bo evil in them ; pray much for your 
children, and set them an example of holy tempers ; try to 
do all the good you can ; but let none of you be busy- 
bodies and tale-bearers ; this is the bane of Christian so- 
<*iety. 

" Be very kind, respectful, and attentive to my brethren, 
who serve the church in my absence. Keep close together, 
and strive to preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of 
peace. When troubles befall me, may your affection 
soothe me ; where I am deficient and wanting, bear with 
me ; if I am useful to you, bless God alone for his un- 
speakable mercy." 

We have already alluded to the illness of Mr. Richmond's 
son Wilberforce. Mr. Richmond sent him, under the care 
of his son-in-law, the Rev. James Marshall, to try the 
effects of a sea voyage and change of air, as well as for the 
benefit of Dr. S.'s advice, whose success in several instan- 
ces of consumption inspired a hope in the anxious parent, 
of his son's recovery, under the judicious treatment of his 
highly valued friend. Mr. Richmond followed his son in 
a few weeks, and, in tlie interval, wrote the following let- 
ters, which we have selected from many others. 

" My ever dear Son, 

" I thank you for your letter, and am glad to hear 
again from Mr. Marshall that you have borne your travels 
so far well. You are never out of my thoughts, and I fol- 
low )'0u in imagination through every scene of your occu- 
pation. But there is an eye that beholds and watches over 

26 



■290 MEMOIRS OF THE 

you, as I cannot do. To Him I confide, and commend 
you, for sickness and health, for time and eternity. What 
a word, what a thought is eternity ! What prospects does 
it set before us ! What inconceivable mysteries are invol- 
ved in it ? How does it make the tilings of time dwindle 
into insignificance ! But what questions of unspeakable 
import are involved in it 1 Sin, corrupt nature, a broken 
law, an offended God, eternal punishment ; conscience, 
guilt, regeneration, salvation by Christ ; faith, hope, love, 
free grace, undeserved mercy, justification, effectual calling, 
adoption into God's family, pardon of sin, consolation in 
Christ, heaven, and glory. These, and a thousand accom- 
paniments, are all connected with the idea, and the reality 
of eternity. What a sad proof of the depravity of our 
hearts, is our indifference towards thinking, and our back- 
wardness towards speaking upon those things which belong 
to our everlasting peace ; and which, nevertheless, if ne- 
glected, involve our eternal ruin We need warnings, and 
the Lord sends them in many ways. Sickness, pain, be- 
reavements, losses, disappointments ; all bnng their mes- 
sage with them. The great question between a soul and 
God, is not, whether we admit the truths of the Scripture 
into our understandings, but whether they are so applied 
to our hearts as to have wrought a change, and become 
vital principles of faith and practice. Nothing short of 
this, can afford evidence of a saved and safe condition. 
There is an action of the soul, by which it rests upon 
Christ, and all that he has done, with full confidence ; and 
this produces peace in the conscience. The more we see 
of ourselves the more we see our sin, and the more we 
see our sin the more we fly to the death and righteousness 
of Christ, for pardon, deliverance, and hope. We behold 
not only his sufficiency, but his willingness, to save the chief 
of sinners. For this, we love him ; and, if we love him, 
we desire, and endeavour to keep his commandments ; and 
this is the way of salvation. 

" Now, does my dear boy view this in all* its integrity ? 
Do the experiences of the past, strengthened by all the 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 291 

variety and succession of instruction, which you have from 
your infancy received, work together to this great end ? — 
Can you be satisfied with any thing short of this ? God 
forbid ! Let nothing interrupt you in this continual work 
of self-examination ; and let self-examination lead you to 
earnest and ardent prayer. Let no pursuits of literature, 
no delights of sense, no passing occurrences, no debility of 
body, no inferior subjects of recreation, prevent you from 
keeping your thoughts close to God, and to eternity. 
Great have been your mercies, may your gratitude be 
great likewise I 

" Accustomed as I am to close and faithful dealings 
with my Christian friends and flock, it would ill become me 
to be silent or indifferent where my dearly beloved child is 
concerned. Sickness gives both you and me a wholesome 
admonition. I pray God, from the depths of my heart, 
that we may each of us improve it to our spiritual welfare. 
God may have great things to accomplish hereby : let u§ 
believe and hope so. 

*' I had much pleasure in showing you London ; and, if 
Providence permit, may yet have more, in viewing the fine 
scenery in your present vicinity, along with you : but whe- 
ther amongst the beauties of art or nature, never, never 
cease to look for and contemplate the God both of crea- 
tion and redemption, in the midst of all. Keep a continual 
watch over your disposition, temper, and thoughts. There 
are not only sins of the temper, but of the understanding 
also ; and pride, in every form, intellectual as well as sen- 
sual, must be brought low. ' Learn of me,' said the Sa- 
viour, ' for I am meek and lowly of heart.' I write, as 1 
would talk with and pray for you. May this dispensation 
of the Almighty, which has, for the present, separated us, 
and given us cause for much anxiety on your account, be 
a season of much profit to us all ! Lay these things to 
heart, make them the subject of unceasing petition at that 
throne, whence no believing supplicants are ever sent 
empty away. Wonder not that I cannot rest contented 
with a superficial religion, but that I look for a deeply 



^92 MEMOIRS OF THE 

experimental life of God in your soul. 1 place time anJ 
eternity before me in holy imagination. I strive, as it 
were, to penetrate the veil which separates them, and to 
look earnestly at those things which belong to your and my 
everlasting peace. Forgive me, my dear child, and may 
God forffive me, if I have not always and equally pressed 
these subjects upon your personal attention. They have 
ever lain near to my heart, and you have had multiplied 
opportunities of meditating upon them. I trust you have 
done so. But let me know more and more of your 
thoughts, past and present. My Christian and parental 
peace is dependent greatly upon it. I am glad that our 
friend, Dr. Stewart, has had so good an opportunity of stu- 
dying your case. You are in the Lord's hands. May he 
overrule every thing for your good. May our confidence 
be placed only where it is due ; and pray for your father, 
and your father shall pray for you Amongst the books in 
your travelling library, are many most valuable authors. 
Read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest what they say, s^ 
far as you find time and strength to peruse them. Above 
all, search the Scriptures, for in them you have eternal life. 
Your mother sends her entire and most aflfectionate love 
to you : your sisters and brothers the same. And what 
shall I add for myself? All that is tender, affectionate, 
parental, and Christian, 

" From your father, L. R.'* 

•• My dear Wilberforce, 

'• We have so long been fellow-travellers and pilgrim.v 
together, and my eye and my heart have been so long ac- 
customed to watch over you, that T cannot help wishing to 
indulge my affectionate feehngs, by giving you a few lines 
during this short separation ; which, short as it has been, 
never ceases to present my dear boy to imagination and 
recollection. I have reason to think, and perhaps the fault 
is my own, that you are but imperfectly aware of my strong 
and anxious feelings toward you, with respect both to your 
temporal and spiritual welfare. I sometimes fancy I see 



REV. LEGH EICHMOND. 293 

this in your manner, and it hurls me. I say little, or pro- 
bably nothing ; but my heart is alive to great sensibilities. 
Rest assured, my much-loved child, that at all past periods, 
but most especially since it has pleased God to put your 
health, and of course with it your life, to so marked a trial, 
I have not ceased, for a single hour (and I can hardly ex- 
cept the dreaming hours of the nighl,) to make your com- 
fort and prosperity the subject of my prayers and solicitude. 
When you may least have suspected it from my ordinary 
manner, even my silence has spoken to God in your behalf. 
Many and deep have been my meditations, as we ascended 
the hills, and descended the vales of Scotland ; or as we 
plowed the waters with our prows and paddles. I have 
often experienced a kind of stupid impotency of utterance , 
\vhen my heart has been animated and full You likewise 
manifest a sort of reserve on the subject of personal reli- 
gion, which checks, and sometimes chills my rising incli- 
nation to more unreserved, free, congenial, and comforta- 
ble conversation. 1 wish all this to vanish ; and that 
whatever may be the will of God concerning you, the fu- 
ture days which his providence may permit us mutually to 
spend together, may be more distinctly marked by free and 
affectionate communications. But far, far above all, it is 
my cherished and anxious hope, that you may evince an 
increasing love to spiritual things, to reading, conversing, 
and meditating upon the things which belong to your ever- 
lasting peace. You have had your warning as to the deli- 
cate and precarious tenure, by which life, health, and 
youthful vigour are held. Every day and hour still reminds 
you of the uncertainty of all things future, so far as this 
world is concerned. And such warnings are unspeakable 
mercies, designed by God for the most wise and benevolent 
purposes. 

" The season of amended health, and present suspension 
of painful and distressing symptoms, is precisely that in 
which your heart should exercise a peculiar jealousy over 
itself, lest the comparative trifles of this \vorld, and the en- 
snaring affections of the flesh, should deaden your feelings 

26^ 



W4 



MEMOIRS OF THE 



al>out the grand question, < What are the evidences of my 
salvation ? What have I done, what must I do to be saved V 
Other studies than those directly rehgious, may, doubtless^ 
have their due and subordinate place. Other books than the 
Holy Scriptures and their expositions, may also have their 
moderated share of our attention ; but if any human study, or 
any human book, have more of our love and attention, than 
those which directly lead our hearts to God, something must 
be very wrong. Idols force themselves upon our notice every- 
where, and lawful things may become idols by the abuse of 
them, and the suffering them to usurp ihe first place in the 
heart's affections. Never be contented with slight and 
general hopes of all being right within ; but seek and strive 
after clear and particular evidences, that you 'know whom 
you have trusted,' for time and eternity. I earnestly en- 
treat you to examine yourself daily on scriptural principles, 
that you may the more ardently throw yourself on the 
mercy of a covenant God, for the forgiveness of your sins, 
the renovation of your heart, and the guidance of your 
judgment. Never be satisfied with an avowedly imperfect 
Christianity. A half Christian is no Christian, nor is he 
accepted of God. Christ is a wliole, perfect, and finished 
Saviour ; and whosoever is a partaker of Christ, is a par- 
taker of all that he is, all that he has done, and all that he 
will do, for the complete salvation of all his chosen. De- 
cency, formality, and cold ceremonial worship, are poor 
and inefficacious substitutes for heart-service, holy affec- 
tions, trust in a Saviour, and love to God. Not unfrequent 
are the times, and your dear mother oflen experiences 
them also, when the immensity of that question, ' Am I his. 
or am I not ?' overwhelms me ; and I should sink in des- 
pondency, if the pure, undeserved, and inexpressible mercy 
of God did not direct my soul to the Redeemer's blood, 
which, when believed in, and applied to the guilty and 
trembUng conscience, cleanseth from all sin, and opens the 
door to hope and ponsolation. May my beloved child flee 
to the same fountain with genuine humihation, and find the 
like deliverance : and may his anxious parents be made so 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. !295 

far partakers of his thoughts, as to feel strong in the Lord 
on his account. My mind was much affected when I first 
received you at the table of the Lord, and my heart went 
out in lively prayer, that you might also be received of God 
— owned, honoured, and accepted, as a child of heaven. 
Live, speak, and act as a consistent communicant of the 
church ; the vows of the Lord are upon you ; but if all be 
right, you will find that his yoke is easy, and his burden 
light. I wish to look upon you, not only as my child by 
nature, but as my spiritual child, and therefore (without a 
paradox,) my spiritual brother. Sweet associations of re- 
lationship are formed in the family of God and the house- 
hold of faith. Many tender and affectionate prayers have 
been daily offered up for you among the poor people of 
Turvey, as I have several testimonies to prove. The night 
before I set out to meet you at Glasgow^, the belfry was 
filled with weeping and praying souls ; whose feelings were 
most tender in your behalf. We shall soon return to them 
again, God willing ; and may those prayers, united to my 
own, be fully answered in the gracious state of your soul, 
as well as in the comfort of your bodily health. But we 
must, as to the latter, await the Lord's will. He doeth. 
and will do, all things well. Meditate on these things, and 
may you and I mutally reap the benefit of such exercises oi' 
your heart As you read this letter, cherish a tender as 
well as a dutiful sentiment towards him who penned it, and 
accept it as one more token of that deep-seated love which 
I bear towards you, and which must increasingly subsist, 
while / remain a father, and you a son. 

" I yesterday enjoyed the high mental luxur}^ of walking 
in the broad aisle of York Minster, quite alone, during the 
morning service. As often before, such sights and such 
sounds compelled me to weep ; and as I was solitary, no- 
thing interrupted the flow of my heart. I recollected be- 
ing there once with you, and I have not forgotten how 
much, if I mistake not, your infant heart was also affected 
at that time. Whether we shall ever again meet together, 
in that magnificent and astonishing fabric, I know not ; but, 



•296 MEMOIRS OP THE 

oh ! may God grant that we finally meet in the • house not 
made with hands, eternal in the heavens.' " 

In the month of October, Mr Richmond joined his son 
in Scotland ; and after various aherations of hope and fear 
in this treacherous and delusive disorder, they returned to- 
gether to Turvey, without any visible amendment in the 
dear invalid. 

The period was now approaching when this youth, the 
subject of many prayers and fond anticipations, was to be 
removed from this earthly scene. The wasted form, the 
hectic look, the sunken eye, and the increasing difficulty of 
respiration, all denoted that the hour of di.ssolution w as at 
hand. He looked hke a tender flower nipped in the bud ; 
but it was a flower soon to bloom in the paradise of God. 
His Christian graces had been gradually unfolding, and his 
mind carried through a state of anxious inquiry and close 
examination, till it was able to rest in full confidence on 
the grace and mercy of God in Christ Jesus. He disco- 
vered the most earnest desire for satisfaction, both as to 
the ground of his hope, and its necessary evidence. 

To a friend, who frequently visited him, he said, " I wish 
to be under no mistake or delusion, in a matter of so much 
importance as the salvation of my immortal soul. Tell 
me where you think I am defective in my views, or wanting 
in the experience of their power. Deal faithfully with me, 
do not deceive me .; and pray for me, above all, that I may 
not deceive myself." 

To the writer, a fortnight before his death, he expressed 
himself as follows : " I trust I have the Christian's hope, 
but I want more of it. I want more of that hungering and 
thirsting after righteousness, which the Saviour has pro- 
mised to satisfy — which we ought to have at all times ; but 
which, if we have not in death what is our hope, and how 
can we be prepared to die ?" 

The last visit was still more affecting : it was only two 
days before his end. He was sitting in an arm chair, sup- 
ported with cushions, and seemed to be in a very exhausted 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 297 

stale. His father sat opposite to bim, in whose counte- 
nance was depicted the struggle of nature and of grace ; — 
of nature, for lie was about to lose his child, — of grace, for 
that child was already on the very threshold of glory. In 
another part of the room were three or four of his brothers 
and sisters, some of them in tears. '* Speak to this dear 
boy," said the father, addressing himself to me, " and ques- 
tion him about his hopes " 

I sat down at his side and taking him by the hand, said. 
** Can you, my dear boy, pass through the valley of the 
shadow of death, and say with David, I fear no evil.' '* 
^' Yes T trust so." '' What is the ground of your trust ?" 
" It is, because his * rod and his staff they comfort me.' '* 
" Have you any doubts to be removed ?" '* 1 had many 
misgivings, but God has mercifully taken them all away." 
^* Do you love him ?" " I hope I do, but 1 wish I loved 
him more." *' You have been long ill ; do you feel weary 
of sickness ?" " I feel more v;eary of sin, and long for the 
time when it will be laid jjside for ever." '' Does the hope 
of heaven animate and support you, and is it often the sub- 
ject of your meditations?" «'Yes, I have been thinking of 
it with great delight this very morning, and almost seem to 
have entered within its blest abodes," 

1 then read to him that beautiful chapter in the Revela- 
tions (the 22d,) descriptive of a state of blessedness. His 
attention was peculiarly arrested. After T had finished, 
*• 'i'his happiness," I said, " will soon be yours, and the por- 
tion of all who die in the Lord." Then gathering his bro- 
thers and sisters around us. \ requested him to bear his dying 
testimony to the value of the Gospel in this trying hour. 

He spoke tenderly and affectionately to all ; and then 
particularly addressing himself to his brother Henry, re- 
marked — " My dear father once hoped to see me a minister 
in the church. Jt has pleased God to disappoint that 
hope Do you fulfil it, in my place, and be a comfort to 
my father, when I am gone." 

Three days afterward, Jan. 16, 1825, his happy spirit 
took its flight to the mansions of the blessed. 



298 MEMOIRS OF THE 

The following letters are pleasing testimonies to the 
piety of the departed child, and the resignation of the be- 
reaved parent. 

" My much-loved Son, 

" Amidst many arduous struggles between nature and 
grace, sorrow and joy, anxiety and consolation, 1 wish to 
express a few of my feelings towards you. A very few 
they must be, compared with the volume of emotions which 
agitate my heart. But thanks be to God, grace, peace, 
and mercy have been so abundantly inscribed upon the whole 
of this affecting transaction, that I ought solely to be oc- 
cupied in songs of praise to God, for all his goodness tome 
and mine. The delicrhtful enlargement of heart, the liberty 
of tongue, the humiliation of soul, the affectionate tender- 
ness, the sweet serenity of mind, the dignity of sentiment^ 
the laboriously acquired intimacy with the Scriptures, the 
earnestness to speak to, exhort and comfort each and every 
individual, the devotional spirit, the clearness of doctrinal 
views, and their blessed application in imparting solid peace 
and comfort, in the prospect of dying, all of which illus- 
trated and adorned his latter end, were beyond my most 
sanguine expectation : it was, and shall be, matter for joy 
and gratitude. 

'^We have now found letters, some of them near four 
years old, and others written while he was in Scotland, 
beautifully descriptive of this state of mind; while the con- 
versations — close, deep, and searching — which I enjoyed 
with him during his last fortnight, produced the most con- 
vincing demonstrations that he had been ripening for glory, 
beyond our thoughts and imagination. For a season, he 
was reserved towards me, relative to personal feelings ; but 
at length, of his own accord, he broke out like the sun 
from behind a cloud, and light diffused itself over the whole 
moral and spiritual landscape. 

" It was gratifying to me to find tha,t the humiliation of 
his spirit was precisely such as i particularly wished to see 
it. For four or five days previous to the arrival of my wife 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 299 

and Fanny, God so mercifully ordered it, that he said every 
thing to me, and I to him, which I could possibly have 
wished. Our whole souls, on almost every topic of feeling, 
opinion, confidence, faithful dealing, and unreserved affec- 
tion, were mutually opened. Oh I they were sweet days. 
The pressure of weakness, disease, and pain, often after- 
ward interrupted our lengthened communications ; but 
sweeter and brighter still were the intervals of ease and 
short conversation. Many witnessed his lovely testimonies, 
and none can ever forget them. 

** Two hours and a half before his death, he went to bed, 
and laid his head upon the pillow. I said to him — < So he 
giveth his beloved rest.' He replied, ' Yes ; and sweet 
indeed is the rest which Christ gives.' He never awoke 
from this sleep : but when we dreaded, from past examples, 
a painful waking, he imperceptibly went off, in perfect 
peace, without a sigh or groan, or struggle, or even open- 
ing of the eye. I did not suppose it possible for any death 
to be such as this. Peace, rest, gentleness, faith, hope, 
and love, all seemed to be the characteristics of his mind 
and of his dissolution. Oh ! what love, what mercy, what 



orrace 



" One of the most remarkable circumstances attending 
him was, his secret and deep exercise of heart and study of 
the Scriptures, beyond my own' supposition, owing to his 
reserve and silence. I saw much that I loved and admired, 
but I was not aware of the half. Our feelings are much 
tried, in proportion to the endearing nature of our past and 
recent intercourse. But, as he often said, *' I know whom 
I have trusted," and this relieves and consoles me. He 
was deeply impressed with the idea that his removal was 
designed for the spiritual good of others. I think it is ma- 
nifest already, in more instances than one. 

" The whole village has been much in prayer and weep- 
ing, for some weeks past, and the tenderest affections have 
prevailed throughout : it is a season of much love. 

" On Sunday, Mr. Ayre will preach a funeral sermon 
for our dear boy ; and a beautiful hymn of Bishop Heber 
will be sung by the congregation. 



300 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" Give my tenderest love to dear Mary. Comfort hev 
heart ; and may the peace of God, which passeth all un- 
derstanding, keep her's and your heart." 

"JTo the Rev, James Marshall'' 

" My ever dear Child, 

a -H- •k' -^ •}(■ -H- -H- 

'' And now to the subject which occupies by far the 
greater part of my thoughts, by day and by night. I 
should find it no easy task to describe the state of my feel- 
ings. No previous event of my life, with the exception of 
what passed during your beloved mother's dangerous ill- 
ness, near ten years since, ever exercised my heart like 
this. And, as that illness terminated favourably, the cir- 
cumstances no longer assimilate. Dear, blessed boy, I 
watched over and cherished his infancy, childhood, and 
youth, in sickness and in health, for eighteen years, with no 
common measure of parental feeling. I delighted in his 
superior mind ; endeavoured to check its errors, and to 
cherish its virtues ^ and too fondly hoped that he might 
have been spared as an ornament to the sanctuary. From 
the beginning of last summer, I went on pilgrimage witli 
him., both for his soul and body's sake. God alone know< 
what I endured, in the inmost thoughts of my heart. But 
the Lord was ordering all things well, beyond what I con- 
ceived. The most valuable intercourse which I enjoyed 
with him during our Scotch residence, was in those hours 
after breakfast, when, as you may remember, I used to 
read, talk, and pray with him, previous to his receiving the 
sacrament at Greenock. I then saw many lovely testimo- 
nies of his state of mind. After his return home, he was 
more reserved as to the personal question, although ever 
ready to converse on the general subjects of religion, and 
that with much clearness and precision. But at length his 
sweet sunshine broke from the cloud, and filled the horizon 
most beautifully. We poured out our whole hearts to 
each other, and mutually blessed God for the liberty of 
feelinff and lancruage which we obtained. I felt mucli 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 301 

when he had just departed, , but 1 think I feel more now. 
A thousand spiritual questions press upon my conscience 
and consideration. Regrets, convictions, meltings, hopes, 
fears, doubts, resolutions, anxieties, joys, retrospections, 
anticipations, ah mingle, ah exercise, all agitate my heart. 
It was his declared and solemn impression, that his death 
was to be as life to others. Thank God I see it so, both 
in the house and the parish — an important work is going 
on in both, beyond former precedent T have not seen the 
like before, to the same extent. Blessed be God ! 

" Dear Willy told me, on the Monday evening before he 

died, that Mr. M 's affectionate attentions to him had 

never been exceeded bv those of a real brother ; and that 
he should love hnn dearly as Jong as he lived, and ' much 
longer,' he said, * if such consciousness shall be permitted. 
And, dear Mary,' he (dded ' how kmd she was to us all, 
last summer ! 1 sjiall nof see her again, on earth, but I 
trust we shall meet hereafter 1' < )ur last Lord's supper 
was a very affecting and trying one : the famdy kneeled 
around the grave to which we had recently committed the 
mortal remains of one so dear \ stood upon the very 
spot ; and, dear Henry, for the first time, came weeping, 
trembling, and rejoicing, to supply his departed brother's 
place. 1 could hardly have conceived that, after so long 
meditating upon the probable removal of my child from 
this mortal scene, I should have had such exquisitely trying 
motions to undergo How little we know ourselves, until 
., e are put to the proof! 

And now, my dear little grand-children, how do they 
both do ? Your little boy' seemed to come into the world 
to keep up our number. > have nine children on earth, 
and three in heaven : but 1 now seem again to have eleven 
on earth ; and, with dear Mr. Marshall, it is once more 
twelve." 

The same year, Mr. Richmond married his third daugh- 
ter, Henrietta, to the Rev. John Avre, his friend and cu- 

27 



303 MEMOIRS OF THE 

rate, now the classical tutor of the Church Missionaiy 
college, at Islington. 

It was a great solace, in the midst of his affliction, to 
unite his child with a gentleman whose principles he cor- 
dially approved, and who was in full possession of his con- 
fidence and esteem. 

The following letters were addressed by Mr. Richmond 
to his son-in-law and daughter, previous to their marriage. 

" My dear Henrietta, 

" Take, my beloved child, a father's blessing, prayers, 
best wishes, and approval of your affectionate project. I 
hope the matter is of God, or I could not say what I have 
done. The apostolical rule is to ' marry only in the Lord ;' 
and every Christian should be guided by it. Earthly af- 
fection, however powerful, is not, of itself, a warrant for 
the nuptial union. Where passion drives the steeds, by 
which the vehicle of our plans and endeavours is carried 
forward, we may expect, sooner or later, an overturn. 
But when the heavenly Spirit of truth and peace guides 
and governs our machinery of conduct, all is right and 
safe. Now I am full of hope, from Mr. Ayre's and your 
letters, that this is the case. Real Christianity as a foun- 
dation, with personal esteem nnd affection, united to con- 
geniality of feelings on all important subjects, as a super- 
structure, will ever make the marriage union a source of 
happiness for both worlds. 

" I am disposed to concur with you in thinking that my 
esteemed friend's principles, acquirements, talents, and 
steadiness of character, are good pledges for his success in 
life ; and as Providence, not design, first brought you to- 
getlier, and seerns to have guided you both, I feel myself 
justified in joining my consent and sanction to the future 
realizing of those views which form the subject of his and 
your letters to me. May constancy, faithfulness, and re- 
ciprocal love, characterise your attachment, and adorn 
your conduct. Xet prudence, propriety, and considera- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 303 

tion, regulate .ill your beliaviour, during the interval which 
must naturally elapse, before all is concluded. Keep in 
mind the dignity as well as the kindliness of the Christian 
lover ; courtship and marriage are honourable in all, when 
principle and grace direct our choice. May you prove a 
blessing to each other, and may the love of God be shetf 
abroad in both your hearts !" 

" My dear friend, 

■H- ■}(■ •ft' * -H- ^ 

" I trust the providence of God is in the matter, and 
that you and my dear child will be guided for the best in 
every thing connected with the subject. My prayer is, 
that grace may reign throughout, and that you may prove 
helpmates to each other in your pilgrimage through this to 
a better world. 

" My heart often sinks within me, when I see how little 
solid, sterling, vital piety, manifests itself even among 
many creditable Christians. I the more earnestly pray for 
myself, and for all belonging to me, that we may walk cir- 
cumspectly, redeeming the time amidst evil days. How 
much more of the Spirit's influence do we all need 1 When 
I look back upon a half century of rational existence, I 
blush, and take shame to myself. How much done which 
I might wish undone ; and not done, that ought to have 
been done. The Publican^s prayer is mine, and will alone 
suit me, even to my dying hour. 

<'' Farewell, for a short interval, and believe me, 
«' Affectionately, yours, 

Legh Richmond." 

The marriage betw^een Mr. Ayre and Mr. Richmond's 

daughter H , took place in the beginning of July. 

The affection displayed by the villagers on this occasion, 
was truly gratifying to the feelings of the family. When 
the party arrived at the church, they found the walls de- 
corated with evergreens, and the pavement leading to the 
altar strewed with flowers. Two hearts, formed with the 



304 MEMOIRS OF THE 

heads of llowers, and the words ''May God bless you I'* 
traced in the same manner underneath, exhibited both the 
taste and the affection of the parish < lerk. 'i'his rustic 
attempt at elegance, so unsought for, and unexpected on 
the part of the family, was a pleasing testimony to the in- 
'terest excited in the parish, by every event connected with 
their beloved pastor. 

We have already mentioned the disappointment of Mr. 
Richmond with respect to his eldest son, and the choice 
made by the youth of a seafaring lite. The affectionate 
father commuted his son to the Lord, with an unshaken 
reliance on the truth and faithfulness of his promises ; and 
he lived to realize their fulfilment in the conversion of his 
child ; who being preserved in the midst of perils, by 
some very extraordinary interpositions of divine Provi- 
dence, was at length brought to acknowledge the mighty 
hand that had smitten him — not to destroy, but to save. 

He had been employed in different merchant vessels, 
sailing from Bencoolen, Calcutta, and other parts of India, 
to the Isle of France and Gibraltar. From the latter 
place, he wrote to his father in the years 1820 and 1821, 
Strongly urging a meetintr between them. His letters had 
been expressive of much affection, contrition for the past, 
and sincere desires of amendment. Several persons who 
had opportunities of observing him, bore pleasing testi- 
mony to the change of his character and conduct. Among 
these were Mr. Chater, a missionary at Ceylon ; Mr. 
Rees, another missionary, at Gibraltar ; and Lieutenant 
Bailey, R. N., of the same place, who gave a decisive 
proof of his confidence by entrusting him with the care 
of his son. The officers under whom he had served also 
spoke highly of his attention, and general propriety of 
behaviour. 

The following interesting letter gives an affecting des- 
cription of his shipwreck, and the state of his feelings in 
those awful circumstances. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 305 

•' My dear Father, 

" We left Calcutta in May, and proceeded as far as 
Sanger Island, on the morning of the 26th, when the 
weather began to look very unsettled. Another ship and 
a large brig, were in company with us. On the evening 
of the 27th, about an hour before dark, the Oracabessa 
began to drive. A perfect hurricane ensued, and such a 
sea got up, that the ship was continually burying herself 
under water, which prevented the people from w^orking 
forward. We could now do nothing farther — every thing 
having been attempted, to avoid the dreadful fate that 
seemed to await us. I seized this opportunity to go down 
to my cabin, to pray to the Lord for his divine assistance 
and protection. In the midst of my prayers and tears, the 
ship struck on a sand, at a quarter before nine o'clock ; 
with such a shock as to throw down several persons, and 
make me stagger on my knees. 

*' Every thing was now in confusion, as the ship continu- 
ed striking very hard. There was nothing but one wild 
surf around us, and a raging sea beating all over, — the 
wind blowing a complete hurricane. However, in two 
hours, an excellent raft was made, capable of carrying 
from thirty to forty people. As the flood made, we again 
struck violently, and the ship sprung a leak. But as every 
thing w^as now in readiness to meet the worst, we anxiously 
waited for day-light. 

" In the meantime, I again went below, and prayed with 
heart and soul to Almighty God, to save us. My prayers 
were answ^ered sooner than could be expected ; for a cer- 
tain something, a kind of comfortable thought, seemed to 
arise within me, and say, ' Thy life shall be saved !' And 
not all the shocks, seas, or wind, afterwards, could make 
me think, or fear, the contrary. Surely, there never was 
a greater proof of the Lord being with us : it animated 
and comforted me, and made me work and exert myself 
with double energy. During a great part of this time, it 
rained violentlv, with thunder and lightning. 

27* 



306 



MEMOIRS OF THK 



" Long-wished-for daylight at length came; when, 
having put a few small things into the boats, we abandoned 
the unfortunate ship, making our way through dreadful 
breakers ; in which, had the boat touched, we must ine- 
vitably have perished." 

In another letter, v/ritten about the same time, he re- 
marks : — 

" Oh ! my good father 1 no one can conceive the horrorrs 
of shipwreck, but those who have experienced them. 
Many grateful and heartfelt thanks to that divine Provi- 
dence, that has again saved me from a watery grave ! 

" In this unfortunate occurrence, I have lost every thing. 
My loss in private speculation is 3500 rupees My books, 
furniture, and wearing apparel, together with ' The British 
Encyclopedia,' are all gone, and amount to a considerable 
sum. I saved nothing but a very small trunk, in which, 
prior to my leaving the ship, I put my Bible and the ' An- 
nals of the Poor,' with two suits of clothes and my watch. 
How my hopes and expectations are frustrated 1 Oh ^hat 
all this may be for my good ! I have now to begin the 
world again ; and hope to do so in reality, and in more re- 
spects than one." 

Nugent arrived at Calcutta in a most destitute state. 
Through the great kindness and benevolent exertions ol' 
the Rev. Mr. Thomason, to whom he made himself known, 
a subscription w^as raised for liim, out of respect to his 
father, amounting to 100 guineas ; by means of which, he 
was provided with necessary comforts. 

This calamity was rendered the more distressing tohim< 
by its occasioning the suspension of his marriage with a 
young lady at Calcutta, of pious character and principles, 
to whom he was engaged. Anxious to repair his past 
misfortunes, he obtained an eligible employment on board 
another vessel ; and likewise a promise on the part of tht.^ 
young lady, that if his circumstances then enabled him *n 
marry, she would unite herself to him on his return. 



REV, LEGH RICHMOND. 307 

ills new speculations havin£f proved successful, he once 
more returned to (.'alciitta, full of the image of the happi- 
ness that awaited hnn, and disposed to forget the past, in 
the brightening prospects of Uie future. But whb shall 
describe the bitter anguish of his mind, when, on present- 
ing himself at the well-known house where he had left his 
intended bride, he found the family in deep mourning, and 
received the melancholy intelhj/ence of her death. She 
had been seized with a fever, which carried her off a few 
days before his arrival ! 

While Mr. Richmond was visiting the Isle of Wight, in 
August, 1825, to recover the shock which his health and 
spirits had sustained from the death of his son Wilberforce, 
some indistinct rumours reached him respecting that of his 
son Nugent. He had received communications from him, 
stating his intention to revisit England ; and declaring, 
that the two happiest days of his life would be, " first, 
when he should see again his dear parents, after so long 
an absence ; and the second, when he should be weaned 
from the danger of temptation." Mr. Richmond was an- 
ticipating his return with much delight when he heard the 
report of his having died on lus voynge homewards. Every 
inquiry was made, to ascertain ihe truth of this rumour, 
and the father's heart w^as again filled with the most anxious 
disquietude. 

About this time, Mr. Richmond went to Bristol, to bo 
present at the anniversary of the iViixiliary Society of the 
Jewish mission On his return to Tiirvey, he wrote the 
following letter to his eldest daughter, in Scotland, — a 
child very dear to his heart, and one who well knew how to 
sympathise with his sorrows, ajid to share them with him. 

*• My dearest Mary, 

" I have lately been present at an interesting meeting 
of the Auxiliary Society for Jewish Missions, at Bristol. 
VTou know my companions hi this journey ; I feel better 
for it. My strength and spirits have been greatly affected 
for a long time — indescribably so ; for it often does not 



308 MEMOIRS OF THE 

much appear to others, at least not in its real extent. Not- 
withstanding my supposed readiness of speech, and the 
overflow of tender feeliujcrs, which plead for utterance, I am 
often thoughtful, silent, and constrained, when it might be 
better for me to communicate more of what passes within. 

" Our visit to Mrs. Hannah More wa& a high gratifica- 
tion. 

** We have been kept in long suspense about poor dear 
Nugent ; he was dangerously ill when I last heard of him. 
I have reason to expect a speedy letter now arriving in 
England. I have received rumours of his having died in 
his passage home, and am fully prepared for the worst ; but 
do not notice what I say until you hear again, as it distresses 
your dear mother greatly. I thank God, I have had 
many satisfactory testimonies of his state of mind, and feel 
much comforted on that head. Henry and I were three 
weeks under the roof of his intimate and very Christian 

friend. Lieutenant B , R. N. from Gibraltar, now at 

Cowes ; and learned much about him. I desire to bow to 
the will of God, in this dispensation of his providence. J 
saw one of his most intimate friends last week, who had 
just come from the East, and had heard a report of his de- 
cease. I mention these things to you, that, with me, you 
may look up to God for a right state of mind, under all the 
designs and decrees of his will. 

" I have had the satisfaction of obtaining likenesses, 
very nicely executed, in the same style with those of your 
father and mother (in the drawing-room,) of Fanny, Henry, 
Henrietta, and Legh. I wish for yours and Mr. Marshall's, 
by the same hand. My feelings are strong on this subject ; 
and the irrecoverable lossof my dear Wilberfbrce, and pro- 
bably of Nugent, render them stronger. It is, I had almost 
said, a blessed art, which can perpetuate to the eye, what 
affectionate memory does to the heart. In the midst of 
life we are in death, and who can tell what may occur ! I 
honour the art of painting much, for the sake both of the 
dead and living. I often look around my study, surrounded 
as I am by the resemblances of many loved and honoured 



REV. LEGtt RICHMOND. 309 

ancestors ; and their forms on canvass realize not a few 
grateful reml lections of infincy, childhood, and youth I 
can sitrh and weep, and smile too, in the soHtude of my 
chamber, when I am still, and communing with my own 
heart. 

* Just as I finish my letter, I cast my eye on Willy's 
walking-stick Oh! how these relics strike to my soul's 
affections ! With our two sticks, alas ! he and I wandered 
on the shores of ilothsay and the adjoining walks, and in 
many another spot ; and now they stand side by side in the 
corner of my study The partnership of the sticks is pre- 
served on earth, but not that of their possessors : — we are 
separated. Yet oh! that we luay be reunited. Medita- 
tions on this subject often agitate, sometimes console, al- 
ways solemnize my mind. 

'' Farewell. Love to your fireside." 

After the lapse of a few weeks, a letter arrived from the 
Rev. Mr. Thomason, of Calcutta, dated January 23d, 1825, 
stating that Nugent had left that place in July, 1824, in a 
vessel bound to the Maur;tius : — that he had been pre- 
viously seized with a fevei, from which he whs not perfect- 
ly recovered at the time of setting sail : — that afterward, 
being exposed to very severe weather, he suffered a re- 
lapse — was occasionally delirious ; and at length, to the 
surprise of all on board, wps found dead one morning, in 
his cabin. A little ivory box was discoveied, containing a 
few jewels and gold chains, which he had intended as pre- 
sents to his brothei-s and sisters On the inside of the 
cover of this box. the following lines were written in his 
own hand, in pencil, apparently a short time before his 
death : — 



" Where v'ce has heUl it? empire long", 
'Twill not enilurp th*^ 'east control ; 
None but a power dlvinel> strong 
Can turn the current of the soul. 



310 MEMOIRS or THE 

" Great God ! I own thy power divine, 
That works to chang^e this heart of mine I 
I would be formed anew, and bless 



Such is the eventful history of Mr. Richmond's eldest 
son : at once affording a salutary warning to the children 
of religious parents, and encouraging such parents to ex- 
ercise unlimited confidence m the promises of God. Let 
those who trifle with their opportunities, and refuse to 
hearken to the counsels of piety and affection, mark, in the 
blighted prospects and repeated trials of this young man, an 
expression of the Divine displeasure. For though in the 
midst of wrath God remembers mercy« yet in his inscru- 
table wisdom, he often makes a man < to possess the ini- 
quities of his youth ;" and in his sore chastisement, keeps 
alive the penhent recollection of the sins which he has long 
since pardoned. Let pious parents, while mourning over 
the wanderings of their offspring, never cease from the 
holy importunity of prayer, that God would meet the prodi- 
gal "in his ways," and turn him into the paths of righ- 
teousness and truth ; that, like Mr. Richmond, they who 
have " sowed in tears, may reap in joy." 

A tablet was erected by his father, in the church of Tur- 
vey, recording the manner of his death ; and having in- 
scribed on it the last four lines of the above verses, with 
the following appropriate passage from the Psalms — " Thou 
shalt show us wonderful things in thy righteousness, O God 
of our salvation- thou art the hope of all the ends of the 
earth, and of them that remain in the broad sea." — [Ps. 
Ixv. 5.) 

In reference to the death of his son Nugent, he wrote 
the following letters : 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 311 

To his daughter, Mrs. Marshall, Glasgow : — 

•• My ever dear Daughter, 

***** ^ 

" The circumstances attendant upon our dear Nugent's 
end, are few and simple. You are aware what a long series 
of favourable accounts of his general behaviour we have 
had from a variety of quarters. You should know> that 
from at least five religious friends, I have received highly sa- 
tisfactory testimonies of his religious feelings and princi- 
ples, although he was modest and reserved in speaking of 
himself. I had much information, while 1 was visiting his 
most intimate friend, Mr. Bailey, in the Isle of Wight (late 
of Gibraltar,) whose little baby was christened Mercy Nu- 
gent Richmond. The time of his shipwreck seemed to be 
one of special prayer and impression. He lost his all. He 
however, recruited in some degree ; and was engaged to be 
married to an amiable and pious young lady. He took a 
short voyage, and on his return, found that she had died of 
a fever. His spirits never recovered that shock. He was 
afterward appointed commander of a vessel to England. 
The day before she sailed, he fell out of a gig, was confin- 
ed to bed, and lost the opportunity. Twice afterward, he 
was sim.ilarly disappointed. At length he sailed in a ship 
bound for the Mauritius, from whence he intended to have 
proceeded to England. 

Previous to this last voyage, he had an attack of ^ever. 
and went through a severe course of medicine. At the 
beginning of the voyage, meeting with a heavy gale, he had 
much laborious service. In the course of a very short 
time he became ill, was not unfrequently delirious, but still 
did not excite ideas of immediate danger. One night, he 
w^ent to bed at twelve o'clock, and the next morning at six, 
to the grief and surprise of all on board, was found dead in 
his cabin. The ship proceeded to the Mauritius ; and it 
was not until her return to Calcutta, that our excellent and 
kind friend, the Rev. Mr. Thomason received the news, 
and his things, papers, &.c. He loft, out of the scanty 



312 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Store preserved from the wreck of the Oracabessa, 100 ru- 
pees to general charitable purposes ; 60 to the Bible So- 
ciety ; 50 to the Church Missionary Society ; 50 to the 
Society for promoting Christian Knowledge ; and 50 to the 
Rehgious Tract Society. A rupee is about fifty -five cents. 
His affections for his relatives were very strong. His 
principles of honourable conduct, integrity, pecuniary ac- 
curacy, official dihgence, kind manners, and moral deport- 
ment were exemplary. He lived in much esteem, and died 
much beloved. Dear boy ! He was snatched from our 
embraces at the hour of his returning to them. He is bu- 
ried in the depths of the ocean But the sea shall give up 
her dead, and I trust he will then a[)pear a living soul.'' 

To his friend, the Rev. H. I. Maddock. 

" My beloved Friend and esteemed Brother, 

" Such you shall be called, for such you are and long 
have been to me. I am told how ill you are, and that you 
are, as it were, vibrating between two worlds. The out- 
ward man is fast decaying, hut not so the inner man. 
Glory to God alone for the past, present, and future. You 
know in whom ou have trusted He cannot, will not for- 
sake you. My heart yearns over many pleasant recollec- 
tions concerning you. The visions of the past revive. O 
may they unite with those bevond the grave, and may so- 
vereign grace sanctify them both ! We have spent many a 
happy hour together, cheerful and grave — we have labour- 
ed together in public and in private. We have, I think, 
loved each other as brothers ; and when little, ]>erhaps, was 
written or spoken, we have had mutual thoughts of peace, 
and regard for our god-children, our wives, and our little 
ones. 

<^ I had pleased mvself with the thought of visiting you 
for a week, at Matlock, next month ; but I fear we may 
never meet again. But shall we not meet hereafter ? 
Lord, how lonsf ! 



REV. LEGH RICHMOXD. 313 

^' When I last parted from you, I had a dear boy with 
rae— how dear, no one can tell. You are hastening to the 
mansions where he dwells. It is not permitted me to send 
a message, or it should be expressive often thousand emo- 
tions of a father's heart. But Christ is all! And I have 
lost my eldest boy — my sailor-boy ! But God has found 
him, and all is well there also. Forgive my ramblings. 
Give me a book, some little book — one that contains your 
name, written in it with your own hand. It shall be a 
cherished memorial — pignus amicitiiB jucundissim(B,^ 

" My regard for you, my brother, has not been of a com- 
mon character. I fear you are not strong enough to give 
me a few lines ; but perhaps your venerable and respected 
father will do so. I this day saw your very dear friend 
Mr. Allen. The sight of him did me good, although he 
told me how ill you were, beyond what I was aware of. 

" And now, my beloved friend, I commend you to the 
triune Jehovah — Father, Son, and Spirit — to united power, 
wisdom, and love ; to the consolations of promise, and the 
consummations of Omnipotence. Faithful is he that hath 
promised ; and he will perfect the thing that concerneth 
you. What a strong- hold is this ! While you can and 
may, cherish a tender and prayerful feeling for your friend. 
Fanny shares in all these feelings ; she can never speak of 
you but with Christian affection. 

" I desire to be most kindly remembered to all that be- 
longs to you. May the God whose consolations are neither 
few nor small, overshadow you with his wing ! « He is 
able, he is willing, doubt no more.' Be this yOurs and my 
soncr : 



* I the chief of sinners am, 
But Jesus died for me.' 



L. R. 



We have few materials of public interest during the year 
18^6. Mr. Hichmond declined in health, and was indis- 

* A pledge of mo si endearing friendship, A. E. 
<^9. 



314 MEMOIRS or THE 

posed for exertion beyond tlie confines of his parish. We 
may, however, fill up the chasm with his opinions on two 
subjects of no small importance to the cause of true reli- 
gion ; but which we could not notice at an earlier period 
without interrupting the narrative, and departing from the 
order we had prescribed to ourselves. 

We advert with extreme reluctance, and with the most 
painful recollections, to the apocryphal question, which un- 
happily for a long time divided and distracted the Christian 
world. Mr. Richmond, with many other wise and excel- 
lent men, at first approved the judgment of the committee 
of the Bible Society, in printing from the foreign editions 
of the Holy Scriptures. He considered the fundamental 
law of the society, *• without note or comments" to include 
the authorized versions of the Continent. He knew that 
the apocryphal books, though attached to the canonical 
Scriptures, had flillen into contempt in our own country ; 
and he was disposed to believe that increased light and in- 
formation, by the circulation of the w^ord of God in any 
form, would eventually illumine the darkness of men's 
minds, and enable them to distinguish between truth and 
error. 

We abstain from entering on any unnecessaiy discussion 
on this subject. Persons whom we highly value, of long- 
tried integrity and acknowledged talents, have ranged 
themselves on either side. We confine, therefore, our re- 
marks, to recording the ultimate sentiments of the subject 
of this Memoir 

In the progress of this unhappy dispute, Mr. Richmond 
saw reason to change his opinion ; and though the meek- 
ness and humility of his spirit would not allow him to be- 
come a violent partisan, he joined in the remonstrances 
which were made to the parent committee, by the greater 
part of their auxiliary societies. On this account, he has 
been accused of vacillation : but in our judgment, the man- 
liness w^hich avows an error, is much more commendable^ 
than the pertinacity v;hich defends and persists in it. 



REV. LEGII RICHMOND. 315 

The Society for promoting Christianity among the Jews 
furnishes another subject for remark. A discussion had 
arisen in some of the periodicals, as to the most efficient 
mode of preaching to the Jews ; whether the doctrine of 
the second coming of Messiah in his kingdom and glory, 
ouijht not to constitute the most prominent feature in the 
discourses addressed to that people. 

In conversing with Mr. Richmond on this topic, the wri- 
ter one day submitted to him the following question : — 

" What is the scriptural and right w^ay to preach to tlie 
Jew ?^' 

'* I know^ of no scriptural way," he replied, "of preach- 
ing to men, otherwise than as sinners; and why the Jews, 
whose sins are of so aggravated a nature should be dealt 
with in a different iray, I do not see I would address the 
Jew as I would address any other man ; — that is, as a sin- 
ner ; and till he is convinced of his sin, he will never believe 
in a Saviour. ' Christ crucified,' is declared to be ' to the 
Greeks foolishness, and to the Jews a stumbling-block ; 
but to them that believe, the power of God and the wisdom 
of God ' No man will ever feel the power of God, whether 
he be Jew or Gentile, till he learns it at the foot of the 
cross." 

When speaking of the strong prejudices that existed 
among many in our own church against several of the pub- 
lic institutions, as contrasted with the expression of popular 
feeling in their support, he observed — " I am fully con- 
vinced that nothing is more likely to weaken the attach- 
ment of serious and reflecting minds, than this standing 
aloof from public feeling, as if we had some distinct inte- 
rest of our own, and were insulated from that of the great 
mass of the community." He added, that, '* in a period 
peculiarly marked by enlarged ideas, and extended efforts 
for the cause of God, not to participate in these views, nor 
to grow with the grow^th of the times in which we live, 
would render us liable to the charge of being unfit for the 
age in w hich we are placed, as if we were men ' born out 
of due time.' Some persons," he said, " think they are 



316 MEMOIRS OF THE 

building up tlie cliurch by encouraging a spirit of hostility ; 
my own opinion is, that they are overturning it ; and that 
no position can be more dangerous to a church, than that 
Avhich exhibits it in avowed opposition to the prevailing 
character and sentiments of the community in which it is 
placed." 

Alluding to some modern religious controversies, I asked, 
^' if he did not thujk that many became thereby more con- 
firmed in their prejudices V 

" All are so," he replied, " who read only one side qftJie 
question^ which is generally the case with the majority of 
readers, and especially of prejudiced readers. They then 

say to each other, 'have you read the book of ? 

It is a most able and timmphant work.' In the meantime, 
they never read what is said in reply to it ; they conse- 
quently view the subject through a partial and distorted 
medium. But what should we say of a judge who examined 
no witnesses except those who were on the same side ? 
We should have no hesitation in declaring that he perverted 
the administration of justice, and was unfit, for his office ; 
and yet precisely the same thing is practised every day in 
theological controversies. The great bane of our church,' ' 
he observed, " is prejudice : many believe without evidence? 
and decide without inquiry. Still, the spirit of improve- 
ment is perceptible, and religion considerably on the in- 
crease." 

I asked him, " how we were to reconcile the increase ol' 
religion with the acknowledged growth of crime, as evinced 
in our courts of justice ?" He answered — " Both are true. 
Bad men are becoming worse, and good men better. 'J'he 
first are ripening for judgment, the latter for glory. The 
increase of wickedness is, in this respect a proof of the 
increase of religion. ' The devil is wroth, knowing that 
his time is short.' " 

The reader will here probably wish to know what were 
his views of the Millennium ; and how far he concurred in 
some modern interpretations of prophecy. On this subject 
he had not come to any decided conclusion : he was 



REV- LEGH RICHMOND, 317 

merely accustomed to observe, that in the first four centu- 
ries, such a belief was known to have prevailed. He was 
generally of opinion, that the time of great judgments was 
at hand ; and that all human institutions, both governments 
and churches, would have to undergo some great purifying 
process ; — that what was wrong in either must be rectified ; 
that much, probably, would be accomphshed in the way of 
improvement, by the advancing spirit of the age ; and that 
when this spirit was resisted, a series of divine judgments 
(or God's controversy with the nations,) would level all 
abuses in the dust ; when a new and better order of thing? 
would arise, and Christianity become a dispensation of 
universal holiness and peace. 

Another remark deserves to be recorded. 

" What is the mode of proceeding," I said to him, 
-^ which is most likely to promote the best interests of our 
own church ?" 

" That," he replied, " which is least calculated to make 
Dissenters." 

" And what will best answer that description ?" 

*' Preaching ihe Gospel." 

In the summer of 1826, Mr. Richmond attended the 
Norwich anniversaries ; which were the last of his public 
labours. He afterward proceeded to Cromer, a bathing- 
place in Norfolk, for the benefit of his health. He had for 
some time laboured under an affection of the lung^, which 
no change of air or power of medicine had hitherto suc- 
ceeded in removing ; though he experienced a temporary 
revival of strength and spirits by his excursion, and return- 
ed home with improved health. 

But the scenes of his former afflictions renewed the de- 
pression of his spirits. Amidst the affectionate welcomes 
of his family, he seemed to feel yet more keenly the ab- 
sence of his departed son. He would say, *^ No time nor 
succession of events, can wean my affections from the chan- 
cel vault." Though increased tenderness marked his in- 
tercourse with his remaining children, his heart still wept 
©ver his beloved Wilbcrforce. There was a visible chanfi^e 

28* 



318 MEMOIRS OF THE 

in his appearance, and bis family felt cause for alarm. He 
said little, but his mind seemed to be greatly exercised. 
He sometimes repaired to the grave of his son ; remaining 
long, absorbed in his own reflections. The silence and 
solitude of this hallowed spot, soothed and comforted his 
mind ; '' the waters of healing issued from the sanctuary^" 
and he probably delighted to contemplate the blessedness 
of the eternal world, in such immediate connexion with his 
own dear child. On one occasion, accompanied by his 
daughter, he sat nearly an hour in deep musing, without 
lifting his eyes from the stone that covered the beloved re- 
mains. At length rising, he exclaimed — '^ Thanks be to 
God, which giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus 
Christ r' 

The writer of this Memoir was requested by his family 
to converse with him on the subject of his sorrows. After 
a few expressions of cordial sympathy, '• My dear friend,'' 
I said, '* you are indulging a grief beyond its proper bounds, 
and consuming all your strength : you Avill unfit yourself 
both for present and future usefulness. You are in danger 
of forgetting the living, by a mournful recollection of the 
dead. God acts as a sovereign, he claims nothing but 
what is his own. You are still surrounded by many mer- 
cies. The past dispensation has been peculiarly blest to 
your own family. You have another son, who will occupy, 
both in your heart and in the church of God, the place that 
is now made void. Your parish loves you ; the cause of 
God prospers beyond former precedent ; you have gained 
more than you have lost, and your child is in glory, — would 
you wish to call him back again ?" 

." All is well," he replied, •' as it relates to these things : 
but there are times when we are led deeply to consider, 
not merely the trial itself under which we labour, but ho\\ 
far it has answered its appointed end. Whether it is sanc- 
tified to our own souls ;■ — what is the reality of our own 
hope ; — the foundation on which we ourselves stand ; — the 
evidences of a renewed mind ; — and whether we can 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 319 

appeal to the great Searcher of hearts, that all is right 
within." 

*« But you have this hope," I said ; " why then does it 
not support you with its consolations ?" 

** God," he answered, " is sifting me ; he is weighing 
me in the balance of the sanctuary. I have been preach- 
ing all my life to others — how far am I myself interested in 
these great truths ? Yes, God is searching me, and proving 
me, and seeing if there be any wicked way in me." 

" He will do more," I said, " than this, — he will lead 
you in the way everlasting." 

" God grant it," he replied ; " God grant I may have as 
assured a hope for myself, as I have for my beloved child." 

We conclude this chapter with the following interesting 
meditation, which was written in the privacy of his study, 
to which he was confined by indisposition. 

" I am this day staying at home, during divine service in 
the afternoon, owing to a cold, — Mr. Ayre being here to 
assist me. The last Sunday afternoon on which I was si- 
milarly detained, was in December 1824, with my dear 
Wilberforce ; he was then within a few weeks of his de- 
cease. This day twelvemonth was the day preceding his 
death. 

" Dear, blessed boy 1 in the midst of our daily domestic 
cheerfulness of spirits, how my heart moans and mourns in 
tenderest recollections ! I see the dear child in all his de- 
bilities of body ; I hear him speak, — I retrace the look of 
his eye, I hang upon his spiritual language, — his affection- 
ate expressions, — his devotedness to God, — his faithful ad- 
monitions, — his languid frame, — his sweet countenance, — 
his willingness to die. 

" I lament my own want of more feeling : and yet I feel 
much. O blessed God ! help me ; — strengthen me ; — save 
m3 ! Make his death to be a source of life to me, through 
the death of Christ, — sanctifying his memory to my soul I 
I want to see more deep and solemn seriousness among my 
children at this time ; and yet I know they are not deficient 



320 MEMOIRS OF THE 

in much good feeling on this subject. Lord, help, bless, 
and save them also ! 

" My Nugent, too, is since gone — or rather, I have since 
heard it ; for he died some months before his brother, httlc 
as we apprehended it, when Wilberforce was so beautifully 
speaking about him, a few days previous to his own death. 

" Oh, my dear boys 1 your memorials are most dear to 
my soul ! 

" I tremble, when I think how poorly I have profited by 
these parental warnings ; yet I take some encouragement 
from the feehngs which 1 am conscious I retain. Lord, 
increase their influence ! In the midst of life I am in death. 
Who may be taken away next ? I .sometimes have fearful 
forebodings — I look around my beloved little circle, and 
sigh. I check these feelings again, and am ashamed of my 
weakness. Lord ! make Christ to be every thing to me — 
and then all will, all must be well. Oh ! keep my Fanny 
in a serious frame. Let her not forget her past impres- 
sions ! Bless my Henry, and preserve him in a steady 
mind, untainted by levities ! Cherish my poor Legh, and 
let not my good hopes concerning him be blighted ! Bless 
the little ones, and make them thine own for ever ! 

" Pardon my weakness, O God ! and bless this wliolo 
meditation to mv own soul ! 

L. R.'^ 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 321 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Closing Scene — Funeral — Remarks on his character, dfc, 

AVe are now drawing to the close of the life and ministry 
of this excellent man, whose labours were singularly at- 
tended with the blessing of God to the end. I he last two 
Sundays on which he preached, were in the beginning of 
March, 1827. On the former of these occasions, a person 
attended the church, who, having taken some offence, had 
secretly made a rash resolve never more to enter it. He 
was both thoughtless and dissolute, and a bitter persecutor 
of religion in those who professed it ; but on this day was 
constrained, by circumstances that need not be mentioned, 
to alter his determination The text of the sermon was 
taken from Ps. li. 10, " Create in me a clean heart, O God, 
and renew a right spirit within me." Sharper than a two- 
edged sword is the word of God ;. and in its application by 
the power of the Spirit to this poor man, it proved " to be 
the hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces." He con- 
fessed, that immediately on his return home, he, for the first 
time, fell on his knees, and with crying and tears, poured 
forth the strong emotion of his heart in the language of the 
publican, " God be merciful to me a sinner." 

Should this record meet the eye or the ear of the indi- 
vidual so deeply interested in it, we would remind him of that 
hour of divine mercy, and of the day when he bore to the 
grave the body of him whose dying hps had conveyed the 
message of life to his soul. We vvould remind him of his 
bitter anguish, when he descended the vault, and knelt, 
weeping, beside the coffin We would exhort him to cleave 
with full purpose of heart to the Lord, and to continue 
faithful unto death, that in the day of Christ's appearing, he 



o2Z MEMOIRS OF THE 

may be found among those who will be the crown and joy 
of him whose loss he now laments. 

The next Sunday Mr Richmond's sermons were parti- 
cularly solemn. In the morning lie preached from Col. iii, 
2 ; " Set your affections on thmgs above." And this ad- 
dress was directed to the true disciple for his comfort and 
confirmation, in the afternoon he preached from Ps. cxix. 
52, 63. " I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord, 
and have comforted myself Horror hath taken hold upon 
ine> because of the wicked that forsake thy law " *^rhis 
sermon was an awful and solemn appeal t(j the consciences 
of unawakcned sinners. It was reniarked by a person 
going out of church ; " this sounds as if it came from the 
lips of a dying man." 

From this time the disorder visibly increased : Mr. 
Richmond caught a fresh cold, and could only speak in a 
Vvdusper. It was, nevertheless, with some difliculty that he 
was restrained from being carried to the church ; but he 
never more left his house, and soon became sensible that 
his beloved flock would " see his face no more." A gloom 
of sorrow overspread the parish, and " prayer was made 
without ceasing of the church unto God," for his recovery. 
But the time was come when he was to enter into his rest. 
Few of his brethren had the privilege of conversing with 
him at this time, and the editor being abroad, had no op- 
portunity of any personal interview with his friend during 
the season of his last illness. He has, however- been sup- 
phed with abundant and most interesting details, in the fol- 
lovring letters. 

<< My dear Friend, 

" I unite with you and the neighbourhood, in deeply 
lamenting the decease of our much valued friend- the late 
Mr. Richmond > Every day and occasion will remind us 
of our loss. He was indeed a bond of union in all our 
meetings- both public and private ; we bowed to his au- 
thority for he had an excellent judgment, and his fine tem- 
per never failed to diflfuse a kind and brotherly feeling among 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 323 

US. It was the spontaneous remark of every one who had 
any acquaintance with him, ^ You have only to know Legh 
Richmond to love him 

" My interview with him, a few days before his death, 
concerning which you desire to be informed, was highly in- 
teresting, though I have but few particulars to communi- 
cate. 

Mr. Richmond had been declining in health for the last 
two years. A visible alteration took place in him, after 
the death of his son Wiiberforce. The intensity of his 
feelings was at all times disproportionate to his strength : 
and some things, especially his dear boy's removal, seemed 
to lay hold of him with a degree of poighancy which he 
himself, in common with his frieiids, greatly regretted. He 
felt, and expressed, resignation and thankfulness in the 
event ; yet it was evident to us all that his frame had recei- 
ved an irreparable injury 

" His brethren saw little of him during the last few 
months of his life He continued the regular performance 
of the duties of his parish till within a few weeks of his 
death, and we did not apprehend that he was so soon to be 
taken from us, 

*' In his confinement, he siirunk from all intercourse be- 
yond the circle of his own fimily. 

'' After making repccited inquiries about his state of 
health, and receiving very unsatisfactory answers, I con- 
sulted his medical attendant, wlu)sn -f^port determined me 
to lose no time in seeking an interview. Of his spiritual 
state, there could be no doubt : . u i thought if, like his 
family, he felt persuaded of his recovery, it might be impor- 
tant on many accounts that he should be apprized of his 
approaching end. 

" I wished, among other things, to induce him to use his 
influence with the patron of the living in the appointment 
of a suitable successor. We had a conversation of some 
length on this subject, and which I regretted when I per- 
ceived how greatly it exhausted his weak and shattered 
frame, and disabled Iiim from entering on matters of still 



324 MEMOIRS or the 

deeper interest. I was anxious to hear his dying testimony 
to the great truths he had so long taught, and so strikingly 
exemplified by a consistent and holy conduct. The idea 
too, that a friendship which had suffered no interruption for 
more than twenty years, endeared by the remembrance of 
his judicious advice and affectionate sympathy in my hours 
of trial and affliction, was soon to be dissolved, gave a so- 
lemn and affecting interest to this interview, and I longed 
to express my gratitude, as well as to be quickened and 
confirmed by his dying counsels. 

<^ An opportunity offered, and I said, * Dear brother, I 
owe you much love, and am pained to be the messenger of 
evil tidings. Still I cannot think it right to withhold from 
you my apprehension of the dangerous nature of your dis- 
ease.' ' I know it, brother,' he rephed : ' seven months 
ago I was well satisfied from whence this cough came ; 
that it was a messenger from above. I knew what it meant 
— but I cannot talk : F — do you talk.' 

" I had scarcely resumed the conversation, with a re- 
mark on the immense value and importance of our princi- 
ples, when he raised himself upright in his chair, and with 
great solemnity of manner, said, * Brother, we are only half 
awake — we are none of us more than half awake.' He 
seemed unable to proceed, for his feebleness was extreme, 
and to relieve him, I began again ; but he made another 
effort. The enemy, as our poor people would say, has been 
very busy with me. I have been in great darkness — a 
strange thought has passed through my mind — it is all delu- 
sion. Brother, brother, strong evidences, nothing but 
strong evidences, will do at such an hour as this. 1 have 
looked here and looked there for them — all have failed me 
— and so I cast myself on the sovereign, free, and full 
grace of God in the covenant by Christ Jesus ; and there, 
brother (looking at me with a smile of tranquillity quite 
indescribable, and which I shall never forget,) there I have 
found peace.' 

" I could utter nothing in reply. My heart was quite 
full. I grasped his hand and left him, with a promise of a 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND, 3*2i^ 

speedy return, musing on the similarity of his experience 
with that expressed by Hooker, a favourite with us both, 
* To name merits^ therij is to lay their souls upon the rack, 
the memory of their otvn deeds is loathsome to them, they 
forsake all things wherein they have put any trust or conf- 
dence — no staff to lean upon, no ease, no rest, no comfort 
then, hut only in Jesus Christ.^ 

** There are, doubtless, many persons who would feel sur- 
prise at the particulars which 1 have related, and might even 
be disposed to ascribe our dear friend's distress of mind to 
a cause very remote from the truth. Those who know no- 
thing of indwelling sin, whose standard is low, and whose 
apprehension of the law of God is far from spiritual, can- 
not possibly enter into tho feelings of a man, 

* who evil felt within, 
And when he felt it, heaved a sigh, 
And loathed the thought of sin.'' 

«' To me it appears that our friend's dispensation was pe- 
culiarly fitted to preserve him from those feelings of self- 
complacency to which his extensive usefulness, and the 
singular honour which God had put on his ministry, would 
not fail to expose him. ' I never knew,' said the late. Mr. 
R. of York, ' more than one person who was not injured 
by success.' Therefore, we may esteem every dispensa- 
tion merciful, however painful, which teaches the salutary 
lesson, ' Let no man glory in men, but he that glorieth, let 
him glory in the Lord ' 

" A conversation I had with Mrs. Richmond, after her 
husband's decease, confirmed my views on this subject. 
When I told her what had passed between us, she said, < I 
can explain the meaning of these conflicts. I had latterly 
often observed my beloved husband in deep thought. He 
seemed to be very low and cheerless. I pressed him t* 
vmbosom his feelings, that I might share his sorrows anS 
svmpathise with him. For a loner time ho was UHwillingf 

£9 



326 MEMOIRS OF THE 

to enter on the subject, and usually replied, ^ nothing, love, 
nothing.' But at last he told me that strange thoughts had 
been suggested to his mind, such as had never entered it in 
his hours of health — thoughts of his extensive usefulness in 
the church of God, He said he knew them to be sugges- 
tions of Satan, but that they overwhelmed him with deep 
and bitter anguish. Pride, pride, hateful thing !' 

<* Another idea has occurred to me with respect to this 
trial of our dear triend. He had insisted much upon the 
free and full sufficiency of the disj)ensation of grace to 
meet man's extremity His darkness and distress of mind, 
as well as the support he found in his own principles, 
seemed to me a practical illustration of the grand doctrine 
of the cross. It was for him to prove the reality of what 
he taught. In Christ every thing, — out of him nothing. 
He became an example, as he had been a preacher, of the 
righteousness of faith. God humbled his servant, magnifi- 
ed the riches of his own grace, and made him a pattern t© 
us all, of the necessity and sufficiency of trust in Christ 
alone. 

'' But after alb there is much truth in John New^ton's re- 
mark ; ' tell me not how a man died, but how he lived.* 
The weakness of a dying hour, and the ravages of disease, 
may cloud the mind, depress the spirits, and disturb the 
sober exercises of the judgment. One thing, how^ever, my 
dear friend, is evident ; it becomes us < to set our house in 
order,' before the approach of this trying hour. At that 
time we should have nothing to settle with God. It is not 
a season to begin to turn to Christ, wlien we cannot turn in- 
our bed. May the thought be ever present to our recol- 
lection, ' we are only half aw^ake.' The removal of our 
dear brother is a loud call to us to trim our lamps ami 
Mvait for our Lord,' that wiien he cometh and knockelh. 
we may open to him immediately. 

" Believe me, my dear friend, T am yours, very faithfully, 
tliougli Tnfi<{ Tinwortlnlr. 

T. F. ' 



REV. LEGH RICHMOXD. 



327 



Letter to Mrs. F — , after Mr. Richmond's decease. 

^' My dear Mrs. F — , 

" You wish me to give you an account of the closing 
scene of my beloved parent's hfe This will be attended 
with some difficulty ; for though I was his friend as well as 
his child, and the endeared companion of his retired hours, 
and though many events and conversations, full of deep 
and affectinc^ interest, are indelibly engraved on my me- 
mory, yet as i did not anticipate the nionrnful bereavement, 
and omitted to m;ike memoranda at the time, I find now 
that much of the detail is irrevocably lost, and I should be 
afraid to write anything wdiich was not strictly and literally 
true. 

" Yet the recollection of hours spent in my beloved fa- 
ther's study, which w^as indeed a hallowed sanctuary of de- 
votion, keeps alive in my mind an abiding conviction of 
the reality and happiness of experimental closet religion. 
When 1 feel worldly inflnence stealing on me, and conse- 
quently, religious duties losinc/ their glow of interest^ I have 
but to think of my departed parent and of past times, and 
my heart is again warmed, a new energy in the spiritual life 
seems imparted, and thus my >onl docs indeed realise that 

* the memory of the just is blessed ' 

* ' I cannot express the veneration and love with which 
he was regarded by every one of his children. With an 
understanding of the very first order, a mind elegantly re- 
fined and polished, and feelinos of the most delicate sus- 
ceptibility, he had a heart overflowing with intense affec- 
tion towards each of them, which was shown by daily and 
hourly attentions of th^i most winning nature, and they 
found in him not only a counsellor and instjuctor, but a 
companion and bosom friend. They clung to him, indeed, 
with an almost idolatrous fondness. Each of my brothers 
and sisters will agree with me in the sentiment of dear Wil- 
berforce (it was one of my brotfier's remarks a little before 
he closed his eyes upon his wee})ing parent,) * when my 
heart feels too cold to thank God for any thing else, it can 
thank him for giving me such a father.' He was the spiri- 



328 MEMOIRS OF THE 

tual as well as the natural father of that dear boy, and I 
trust others of his children are thus bound to him by a tie 
strong and lasting as eternity itself. Surely the world does 
not contain a spot of more sweet and uninterrupted domes- 
tic happiness than Turvey rectory presented, before death 
entered that peaceful dwelling. It was ever the first wish 
of my beloved father that our home should be happy ; and 
he was never so pleased as when we were all sitting around 
him. Both in our childhood and youth, every innocent 
pleasure was resorted to, and all his varied attainments 
brought into exercise to instruct and amuse us. He was 
the sun of our little system, and from him seemed to be de- 
rived the light and glow of domestic happiness. Like the 
disciple, whose loving spirit I have often thought my dear 
father's resembled, his motto was, ' little children, love one 
another ;' and he taught this more effectually by sympathy 
than even by precept. Religion was unfolded to us in its 
most attractive form. We saw that it was a happy thing 
to be % Christian. He was exempt from gloom and me» 
lancholy, and entered with life and cheerfulness into all our 
sports. 

*« But we should not have been thus happy in domestic 
affection, had not our beloved father so carefully trained us 
in the religion of Jesus Christ. This was his chief con- 
cern, his hourly endeavour. He did not talk much with u? 
about religion ; but the books, studies, and even amuse- 
ments to which he directed us, showed that God was in all 
his thoughts, and that his great aim was to prepare his 
children for heaven. Religion w^as practically taught in 
all he said and did, and recommended to us, in his lovely 
domestic character, more powerfully than in any other way. 
He had a thousand winning ways to lead our infant minds 
to God, and explain to us the love of the Saviour to little 
children. It was then our first impressions were received ; 
and though for a time they were obscured by youthful 
vanities, they were never totally erased ; he lived to see 
them, in some mstances, ripened into true conversion* It 
was his custom, when we were very young, to pray with u^ 



REV. LEGII RICHMOAD, 329 

alone : he used to take us by turns into his study ; and 
memory still recalls the simple language and affecting ear- 
nestness with which he pleaded for the conversion of his 
child. I used to weep because he wept, though I under- 
stood and felt little of his meaning ; but I saw it was all 
love, and thus my earliest impression was associated with 
the idea that it was religion which made him love us so ten- 
derly, and that prayer was an expression of that love. I 
was led in this way to pray for those who w^ere kind to me, 
as dear papa did. 

" In conversation he did not often urge tlic subject of 
religion dirccthj on our attention, or question us much as 
to our personal experience of it. He has sometimes re- 
gretted this, and called it his infirmity ; but I think he 
adopted a more successful plan. He used to watch over 
us most cautiously, and express his opinion in writing : wo 
constantly found letters left in our rooms, with directions 
to think and pray over them Reproot v/as ahvays con- 
veyed in this way ; and he also took the same method of 
questioning us on experimental religion, and of beseeching 
us to become more decided tor God. Sometimes he re- 
quired an answer ; but generally his only request was, that 
we would ^spread his letter before the Lord, and think 
over it.' 

" His reproofs were inexpressibly tender. He was never 
angry with us ^ but when we displeased him, he showed it 
by such a sad and mournful countenance, that it touched' 
us to the very heart, and produced more effect than any 
punishment could have done, for we saw that it was our 
dear father who suffered the most. In this way he gained 
such an ascendancy over our affections, that none of his 
children could feel happy if his smile was withdrawn, and 
dll regarded that smile as a rich reward. 

" The anniversaries of our birth-days were always sea- 
sons of festivity among us. We were generally awakened 
with his congratulations and blessmg. ' He rose up early 
n the morning, and offered sacrifice, accoixling to tjie- 
mnnbcr ef t4i€m all: thus ditl he continually.' I loi-e to 

29* 



J30 MEiJIOIRo OF THE 

recall those happy and innocent days, when our dear father, 
even in our childish sports, was the mainspring of our joys, 
and the contriver of every amusement. We always found 
a birth- day present for us, often accompanied by an affec- 
tionate note. 

•' Though my dear father was naturally playful and lively, 
his spirits were easily depressed ; and they appeared to un- 
dergo a considerable change subsequent to the summer of 
1824, the period at which Wilberforce's health began to 
<leciine : Wilberforce was most tenderly endeared to him ; 
and there was a strong affinity in their characters. He 
was just beginning to unfold a very fine understanding, and 
his intellectual attainments were certainly superior for his 
age. His mind had been cultivated with much care ; and 
the same elegance of taste and delicacy of feeling, so pro- 
minent in my father's character, seemed likewise to mark 
that of his cherished boy. He manifested the same incli- 
nation to the studies of natural philosophy ; and when the 
school lessons w^ere finished, they were constantly engaged 
together in these pursuits. While the other boys w^ere at 
play, Wilberforce generally occupied himself in reading in 
the study, and trying experiments, &:;c. Mineralogy, in 
particular, was a favourite science with both ; and in each 
instance it beguiled the hours of declining health. Papa 
used to amuse himself with his minerals, when all his other 
scientific pursuits failed to interest him : and poor Willy 
found the same pleasure in this study ; for within a few 
days of his death, he was searching to see how many diflfe- 
rent kinds of stones might be enumerated. He had never 
been absent from home, but was brought up under the im- 
mediate eye of his parent, and watched with ceaseless care. 
He was now preparing for college, and sanguine in the- 
hope that he might distitiguish himsqlf ; and his father was 
looking forward with deep interest to this period. 

'' In the summer of 1824, my brother ruptured a blood- 
vessel, and began to spit blood. My dear father discovered 
great anxiety and alarm ; though we did not, for a long 
time, know how deeply he w^as affected. He after war'' 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 331 

told mamma, that on that morning, as he looked on Wil- 
berforce, he felt a shock, which seemed to shatter him to 
the very soul, and from which he never after recovered. 
lie did indeed, to use his own words, ' roll the troublous 
calamity on God,' but nature sunk under the stroke. 

" In Jupe 1824, he took a journey to Scotland, to place 
Wilberforce under the care of Dr. Stewart I was their 
companion in that journey, which I have a mournful plea- 
sure in retracing. 

" It was very pleasant to travel with my father, he had 
such an exquisite perception of the beauties of nature ; 
and every object of interest was pointed out to us with his 
own elegant arid devotional associations. Often has he 
wandered on through the fine scenes of Scotland, both by 
day-light and moon-light, with poor Willy and myself at his 
side ; and we have sat down- together on the sea-shore, or 
by the hedge- side, while he showed us the image of the 
Deity in the beauty of his works : and whether he was 
contemplating the simple wild-flower or the resplendent 
firmament, he would point to the hand of Omnipotence in 
both. But his enjoyments at this time greatly depended 
upon his dear boy's being able to participate in them : if 
Willy drooped, his spirits were gone, and nature lost its 
power to charm. I think he was gradually declining in his 
own health, though he did not complain. He was watch- 
ing the decay of his beloved son, while his own frame was 
giving way. 

" We returned home in October, with no material benefit 
to our dear invalid : and in January 1825, after a happy and 
even triumphant experience of the power of religion, my 
brother breathed his last gentle sigh in the arms of his 
aftiictcd father, who had been, in God's hands, his sole teach- 
er, comforter, and supporter. He was ever at the dying 
pillow of his suffering child, reading, praying, and com- 
forting him, by day and by night. Before us, he appeared 
composed and tranquil ; but in his retired moments, I have 
heard him give vent to his feelings, with strong * crying 
:md tears.' I remember, on the evening of Wilberforce'* 



332 MEMOIRS OF THE 

death, after he had yielded to the first burst of grief, ht; 
elasped the inanimate form to his heart, laid it down, dried 
his tears, and collecting us togeth r in the study, he knelt 
down, and uttered only the language of praise and grati- 
tude. For a little moment he seemed not only to follow, 
but to realize his child's flight and welcome to the realms 
of glory. His whole conduct seemed to express, ' though 
I should see his hand lifted to slay, me, yet from that same 
hand will 1 look for salvation.' 

" He was much comforted, at this time, in his parish and 
in his own family. In the parish, there appeared a remark- 
able revival of religion, particularly among the young peo- 
ple. It might be truly said ' there were added to tho 
church daily, such as should be saved.' This dear boy's 
death appeared to be the life of many souls ; and, in my 
dear father's own language, ' they were as spiritual roses, 
blooming around the o^rave of his Willy.' 

^* At this time, his character as a parish priest shone 
forth most eminently. He was singularly blessed among 
his flock. His heart was always in his work ; but more 
particularly did he now preach the word, in season and out' 
of season ; ' reproving, rebuking, exhorting, with all long- 
spflfering and doctrine ' An increase of religious inquiry 
and anxiety among his people, produced a corresponding 
increase of visiting and teaching on his part He regular-- 
ly met a party of his pious poor at a neighbouring cottage, 
on Tuesdays ; frequently a different set on Thursdays ; and- 
on Sunday nights, after his fatiguing duties in the church, he 
met those who had been newly awakened to spiritual life. 
His heart seemed particularly interested in this last little 
party, which he used to call ^ his sj)iriHial nursery J^ I hav€> 
looked at him with astonishment, when he came to us op 
Sunday nigbts. Unceasingly occupied, from ten in thfc> 
morning till ten at night, he met us with his usual cheerful- 
ness, and entered into animated and interesting conversa- 
tion, as if no fatigue was felt. On Sunday evenings, after 
the administration of the sacrament, he met the communi- 
cants. On these occasions^ he was happy in being siu* 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 333 

rounded by his spiritual children, dearly loved by him, and, 
on the whole, he could look on them with approbation and 
confidence, as his * glory and joy.' He was earnest in en- 
forcing upon them consistency of character, and upright- 
ness in temporal affairs : anxious that the enemies of true 
religion should have no cause to blaspheme from the incon- 
sistencies of its professors, but that his people should 
adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour, and put to silence 
the ignorance of foolish men, showing that the doctrines of 
grace are the doctrines of holiness. 

" But not in his parish alone was the death of his be- 
loved son rendered singularly useful ; his heart was yet more 
comforted by the hope of solid beneiit to his own family. 
The seed which had been sown with many prayers, and 
watered with many tears, though it had hitherto lain dor- 
mant, began at this time to spring up to the consolation of 
his bereaved heart. With unspeakable tenderness he 
watched over the signs of religious anxiety in his children, 
weepmg over them and praying for them with the most ve- 
hement affection. 

" It was a few days after Willy's death, that my own 
mind was in a state of agitating anxiety — thirsting for the 
knowledge of God and his holiness, yet feeling so ignorant, 
dark, and helpless, that I knew not where to look for encou- 
ragement or assistance. My ignorance was my great bur- 
den. I felt as if 1 never could understand rehgion, and 
with these feelings I went into the study, where [ found my 
beloved parent in deep meditation. He seemed to perceive 
at one glance what was the matter. In his engaging man- 
ner he took me on his knee and foldi^^g me to his heart, 
begged me to tell him all I felt. This was the first time I 
had opened my mind to him on the subject of religion. I 
tried to tell him my feelings, dwelling f)articularly on my 
ignorance and total blindness in spiritual things With strik- 
ing humility and condescension, he replied, < well, my dear 
child, we will begin religion together. We will set out in 
the first step, for I have as much need as you to begin all 
again. We must go to Jesus Christ to be set right. We 



334 MEMOIRS OF THE 

will ask to be taught the first lesson ir^ his religion, and wart 
in the ignorance of babes for his instru'-tion.' 

" In the following winter, my dear father's failing spirits 
sustained another severe shock. We were expecting every 
week our eldest brother from India He lell home at the 
age of fifteen, and eleven years had now elapsed since his 
father had seen him. Many singular and affecting circum- 
stiinces had occurred during this mterval. He was thrice 
shipwrecked ; anion one «»ccasu)n, wjth only a few others, 
he got safe to shore. In his early youth he had been a 
source of much sorrow to his pare nts, but in a far distant 
land his heart was turned to the (lod of his father ; and we 
received the most satisfact4)ry testnnonies to his conversion. 

** My fath r's sensitive feelings were strained to the high- 
est pitch in expectation of meeting his dear sailor-boy, who 
was on his return to visit us ; and he was preparing to wel- 
come the ' son who was lost and is found, was dead and is 
ahve again,' when the mournful tidings of his death reach* 
ed us. 

•"Both the mind and body of my dear father was shatter- 
ed by this intelligen'ce. But though sufFerit:g most acutely, 
he was, as in the former bereavement, the comforter and 
stay of his family ; — concealing his own feelings, to miti- 
gate theirs. 

" He used to be much alone at this time, communing 
with his own heart, in his chamber, m silence : and no 
doubt it was his fervent and frequent devotion which 
strengthened and enabled him ' to comfoi t those who were 
in trouble by the comfort wherewith ho himself was com- 
forted of God.' 

*' He had shut himself up for six weeks, and never ap- 
peared in public, except on the Sunday ; but when he 
heard of the anxiety of the peo[)le to see him, and share 
the sorrows of their beloved pastor, he desired them to as- 
semble in the school-room, and he w^ent there to meet 
them. It was evidently too trying and exciting for his 
weak frame For some time he could not speak ; but 
when he recovered himself, his address was inexpressiblv 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 335 

touching, and yet comforting. The people wept with him, 
and felt his sorrows as their own. He told them, that con- 
scious of their interest in him, and of their anxiety to know 
liis state of mind under this afflictmg rod, he had come on 
purpose to tell them what God could do for the soul that 
looked to him for iielp ; that they might magnify the Lord 
with him, and exalt his name together He said, that while 
he had been shut up in the sohtude of his study, for the last 
six weeks, in silt^nt communing with God, he had learnt to 
feel, < it is good for me that I have been afflicted,' — that 
the experience of his soul during that trying season had 
been, * in the multitude of my thoughts within me, thy com- 
forts have refreshed my soul. 

" He then expounded the 107th Psalm, -with reference 
to poor Nugeiit's case ; and expressed himself with more 
than ordinary energy and freedom. He had been tried, 
but he came forth as gold. His heavenly Father seemed 
to say to iiim, ' My son, give me thine heart ;' and the an- 
swer of his soul was — ' There is none upon earth I desire 
in comparison of thee.' While fainting beneath the heavy 
load of suffering, he tried to say, like his blessed Master, 
< the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink 
it?' 

" He now resumed his usual cottage meetings ; and, 
though his constitution was evidently sinking, and he was 
labouring far beyond his strength, he could not be per- 
suaded to relax or lessen any of his pastoral engagements. 
We earnestly pressed him to retire for a season from his 
duties ; but, contrary to his usual yielding temper, he re- 
mained inflexible ; adding, either < it does not injure me ;* 
or < I shall suffer more in my mind, by giving them up, 
than in my body, by attending to them.' The last j^ear of 
his life, he had a constant irritating cough, which finally 
settled upon his lungs ; and was, no doubt, much increased 
by such frequent talking and exposure to the night air. 

" I was his constant companion in his visits to the cot- 
tages ; and he often looked so worn and fatigued, and his 
..•spirits gometrraes so much afTectcd, apparently with 



336 MEMOIRS OF THE 

thoughts which he did not express, that I have turned 
away to weep and felt undefinable sensations of dread, as 
the idea crossed my mind, that he was meditating on the 
final separation. 

" His public discourses at this time were particularly 
awakening as well as confirming. While he warned his 
flock, with deep solemnity, lest any man fail of the grace 
of God,' he enlarged on the divme promises, the glory of 
the Saviour, and the blessedness of the redeemed. A poor 
woman remarked to me — ^^ Your dear papa preaches as if 
he was near home.' 

" What he was in his family during the two last years of 
his life, my pen can but faintly describe. Since Nugent's 
and Willy's death, his aflfections were more concentrated 
on those who were left ; and he had, also, a more endear- 
ing tie, for he could now look on some of his family as his 
spiritual children. In conversation and reading, he could 
find companions in them. Very pleasant is the recollec- 
tion of the happy and profitable hours spent in my father's 
study. He used to awake me at six o'clock every morn- 
ing, and I read to him till breakfast. He was fond of this 
early hour, and kept up the plan even through the last 
winter. But it was injurious to him ; for when his cough 
was bad, and his health sinking daily, he would still rise 
before the servants were up, call me and my brothers, and 
then light his own fire, that all might be ready for the 
reading to commence. He made many valuable remarks 
as we went on The last winter months, he wished me to 
read to him the Cripplegate Lectures. Archbishop Leigh- 
ton, who was a particular favourite with him, was the last 
author we read together. Sacred is the memory of those 
hours : his health was declining, but his soul was ripening 
for glory ; and, while hstening with interest to the deep 
experience and triumphant victories of these holy men, he 
was probably anticipating the near approach of that time,, 
when he should join their company. 

** His mind was often for days peaceful and tranquil. At 
rsuch times, he never spoke of VVilberforce's death, ]>ut in 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND, 337 

terms of gratitude and praise for his happy end : but at 
other times, the vivid remembrance of his bereavements 
seemed to overwhehm hirp, and to occasion new conflicts. 
1 have heard his convulsive sobs, and his heart-touching 
prayers, as i sat in the room beneath the study. I remem- 
ber on one day in particular, he had beea a long time alone, 
wishing to be undisturbed ; and, when I went to him, I 
found him in deep sorrow. Willy's psfpers were lying 
before him, and he appeared in great agitation of mind. 
In what followed, I was struck with the deep humility of 
his feelings. He said, ' it was not unmingled grief for 
Wilberforce which was then uppermost ; he knew he was 
safe in heaven, and that to him death had been victory ; 
but that the thought painfully harassed him — shall / ever 
meet him in heaven ? shall / indeed ever get there ? 
Friends, try to comfort me, by saying, (as if they took it 
for granted,) that sorrow is unnecessary ; for the separa- 
tion is very short, and we shall soon meet again in heaven. 
But, alas ! there is that inward consciousness of sin, and 
that perplexing conflict, that /cannot take it for granted ; 
and the thought is fiow sinking me in the very dust, shall 
£ indeed meet him in heaven ? Am I sure eternity will 
unite us ? And 1 often shudder, and fall down confounded* 
at the possibility that, after all, I may come short, and our 
separation be eternal.' 

" This was an aflfecting and important lesson. I saw 
tliat the most holy and established Christian is still a sin- 
ner, and feels himself such ; that, however high his spiri- 
tual attainments in this life, the flesh still weighs down the 
spirit. 1 had heard and seen my dear father so strong in 
faith, that heaven seemed realized, and victory obtained ; 
and I fancied he could never have a doubt of his salvation. 
But I found, that the father in Christ could weep and trem- 
ble like the babe, because of the sin that dwelleth in him. 

" My dear father's cough continued, and he became very 
thin ; and every one remarked how ill he looked. But he 
appeared not to notice it, and we thought he did not ap- 
prehend danger : we have since found that wc were mista^ 

30 



338 MEMOIRS OF THE 

ken, and that he * always looked on the cough as a summons 
from above.' He abated nothing of his work, and still 
continued his visits to the poor, It was in the cottage of 
sorrow and by the bed of the dying tliat my beloved parent's 
character appeared the brightest. He was the father as 
well as the minister of his people ; and they brought all 
their difficulties and troubles to him, and ever found in him 
a tender and judicious adviser. He had particular pleasure 
in conversing with the pious poor, and said he had learnt 
some of his best lessons from them ; that the religion of the 
poor in general was more spiritual and sincere than that of 
the rich ; that they lived more simply the life of faith on the 
Son of God i have seen my beloved father in pubhc.when 
the gaze of admiration was fixed on him, and in the private 
drawing-room 1 have beheld him the dehght and entertain- 
ment of the company, and my heart has exulted in him ; 
but it was when smoothing the pillow of poverty and death, 
that I most loved and venerated him ; and discovered the 
image of that Saviour ' who went about doing sood.' 

" In the month of February he went to Cambridge for a 
fortnight, to enter Henry. This wafe another subject of 
great anxiety to his mind : he dreaded the temptations of a 
college life ; and expressed much solicitude, lest his dear 
inexperienced boy should be corrupted, and his religion in- 
jured. 

" When he returned from Cambridge, we thought he 
looked better. He had been among friends he loved, and 
he derived great pleasure from his visit, and appeared more 
cheerful and hvely than we had known him for the last twe 
years. He entered into conversation with spirit, and even 
amused and entertained us in his engaging manner. We 
ospent one week with him in this improved- state of health 
and spirits ; but he soon relapsed into his former thought- 
ful silence. The next week he caught a fresh cold and liis 
cough returned with greater violence : yet he would have 
preached on the following Sunday, if his voice had not en- 
tirely failed him. I do not think he imagined that he had 
s'een his people for the last time, but that he anticipated a 
temporary amendment, sufficient to enable him to go among 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 339 

them again. But his ministry was closed ; and he was to 
meet them no more, till they met at the judgment seat oi* 
Christ ! 

"To prevent increase of cold, he kept entirely to his 
study, and never came down stairs after that Sunday ; yet 
he read and wrote as usual. 

« It may seem extraordinary that he never spoke to us 
on the subject of his death, but those can understand it who 
knew the exquisite tenderness and susceptibility of his feel- 
ings. His affection indeed was almost his affliction. Ho 
could not bear to witness the sorrow which would have 
filled our hearts in the certain and near prospect of sepa- 
ration. He wished us, I think, to understand his situation 
and to observe in silence. 

'• There were no violent symptoms to mark the approach 
of death ; but a gradual decay of strength. He sat with 
us as usual in his study-chair to the very last day, — almost 
to the last hour. I recollect many things which I did not 
then understand, but which now show me that he was pre- 
paring for death : with surprising calmness he set his house 
in order. He made a catalogue of his principal books, 
with memoranda how they were to be disposed of; also of 
his minerals and philosophical apparatus ; he emptied all 
the cupboards round the room, which had not been done 
for many years ; he burnt every book which he thought of 
an injurious tendency. All this was done for the most part 
in ^lence, it being painful for him to speak, even in a 
w^hisper. I have seen him sit for an hour together in the 
deepest abstraction of thought — then he would raise his 
eyes, the tears streaming down his pale cheeks, clasping 
his hands, as if in the fervency of importunate prayer — and 
again all was composure, and he looked peaceful and happy. 
He seemed to be maintaining a constant communion with 
God. I know he felt deeply for his children, whom he was 
about to leave young and inexperienced — exposed to a 
world of sin and temptation. My brother and I have fre- 
quently heard him break forth in prayer for us when we 
had scarcely closed his door. The sounds were faint and 
broken, but we understood their import ; and tbe unutter^ 



340 MEMOIRS OF THE 

able tenderness of his manner towards us is even now too 
affecting to dwell upon. He would sometimes open hi& 
arms for me to come to him, and laying his head on my 
shoulder would fall again into deep thought His parisli 
also was always upon his mind. He was continually in- 
quiring about the people, and sending me with messages to 
them ; and he listened with much interest to the report I 
made of them. 

'• One of his converts, a young girl of nineteen, was at 
this time on the bed of death, and my dear father regretted 
much he could not visit her ; but he was very anxious to 
comfort and instruct her through me. She survived him 
two months, and died in the same peace, perhaps with 
more triumph. She said, just before her death, ' she 
longed yet more for heaven, because her dear minister was 
there to welcome her.' I know mat he was full of anxiety 
for a suitable successor, and the idea of his flock being dis- 
persed hung heavy upon his spirits. One morning, when 
i was sitting near him, he burst into tears and said, ^oh I 
my parish ! my poor parish I feel as if J had done nothing 
for it, as if it had been so much neglected. I have not 
done half that I ought.' It was more than I could bear to 
hear him speak in this way : for I had seen him in weari- 
ness, and painfulness, and watchings, spending aud being 
spent, if by any means he might win souls to Christ. I 
suggested to him his labours, and the singular usefulness of 
his ministry, especially within the last two years : he wcjuld 
still reply, * no thanks to me, no thanks to me. I see it so 
different now, as if I had done just nothing I see nothing 
but neglect and duties left undone.' I could n^ t help re- 
flecting on the different aspect things must have when eter- 
nity is opening upon us. 

" He was considerably cheered soon after this, by the 

prospect of Mr. IJ becoming his curate ; it seemed to 

revive him ; he lost sight of other troubles in the thought 
that his church would be well supphed. 

" He often recurred to Henry's residence at college, and 
talked of his fears for his dear boy till he was quite spent. 
He would say, * I have seen the ruin of so many promising 



REV. LEGH RICHMOIJD. 341 

youths by a college life, and those apparently as amiable 
and pious as my own dear child. I know the difficulty of 
maintaining spiritual religion at Cambridge. Even studies 
which are in themselves lawful, and which he ought to pursue, 
have a tendency to weaken piety and interrupt private de- 
votion. Christ has often been crucified between classics and 
mathematics, I wish him to be dihgent in his studies, but 
the Bible is the proper library for a young man entering 
into the church. If he does but understand the Bible ex- 
perimentally^ I shall be content. Bid him, F — , to be very 
eareful of his companions, that they be few, and more ad- 
vanced in religion than himself; and particularly that he 
attends Mr. S — "s ministry. It cheers my heart, that there 
is such a ministry at Cambridge. Be sure you talk to him 
about these things. Warn him of declensions, and against 
sacrificing religion to the desire of distinction. That 
dear boy, and his approaching trials, are never out of nay 
thoughts ; I think of him by day, and dream of him by 
night.' 

** We found in his desk a sheet of paper on which was 
written * Cambridge documents.' These were directions 
for Henry, but not finished. He had often expressed a 
great desire to see a son in the church, ready to take his 
place. ' If I might but hear a true gospel sermon from one 
of my children, I should die in peace.' On another occa- 
sion, he expressed great delight that his young friend C. 
H — visited the poor, and said, * you must recommend this 
to Henry, as the very best preparation for the ministry. 
Try, my dear F— , to keep him up to it. Tell him his 
poor father learnt his most valuable lessons for the ministry, 
and his most useful experience in religion, in the poor man's 
cottage.' 

" The last time he spoke to me on personal religion he 
endeavoured to establish my mind in the doctrine of as- 
surance, and enlarged on its importance, and its tendency 
to promote both comfort and obedience. He pointed to 
Archbishop Leighton as my pattern : * see how hohly and 
lovingly that roan walked with God, becaujje he believed 

30* 



342 MEMOIRS OF THE 

that his salvation was safe and settled, that he was chosen 
in Christ. Try, my dear child, to expand your views ; 
look at the magnificent scheme of salvation — the contract 
between the Father and his eternal Son. How much 
better to look out of self, and see all perfected in Christ. 
You will never be happy and strong, till you grasp the 
covenant plan of redemption. You live upon self too 
much ; you will get misery and despair, but nothing else, 
by looking to yourself. You must live upon Christ ; he 
has done all for you, if you could but beheve it' 

" Of the last sermons I read to him, one was entitled. 
' Hope amidst Billows,' the other < The Believer a Hero.' 
This last I read twice to him ; and he expressed much 
delight in listening to it. It seemed to suit the state of 
his mind, and correspond with his own sentiments. At 
one part of the sermon he stopped me, that he might 
meditate on what he heard, and then he said, ' read it 
again.' It seemed to cheer bis mind. When I had 
finished it, * this' said he, * exactly expresses what I would 
say to you ; that is just my sentiment ;' and he told me to 
turn down the leaf, that he might show it to mamma. I 
have copied the passage ; it appears to me very beautiful, 
and is g eatly endeared to me, as having comforted my 
dear father a few days only before his death. 

" ' The fear of God is not a perplexing doubting, and 
distrust of his love : on the contrary it is a fixed resting 
and trust in his love Many who have some truth of 
grace are, through weakness, filled with disquieting fears ; 
but, possibly, though they perceive it not, it may be in 
some a point oi wilfulness, a little latent undiscerned af- 
fectation of scrupling and doubting, placing much of reli- 
gion in it. True, where the soul is really solicitous about 
its interest in God, that argues some grace ; but being 
vexingly anxious about it, argues that grace is weak and 
low. A spark there is even discovered by that smoke, 
but the great smoke still continuing and nothing seen but 
ijt, argOes there is little fire, little faith, little love ; and 
then as it is unpleasant to thyself, so it is to God, as 
sinoke to the eyes. What if one should be always 



REV. LEaH RICHMOND. 343 

questioning with a friend, whether he loved him or not, 
and upon every httle occasion were ready to think he doth 
not, how would they disrelish their society together, 
though truly loving each other. The far more excellent 
way, and more pleasing both to ourselves and to God. 
were to resolve on humble trust, reverence, and confidence, 
being most afraid to offend, delighting to walk in his ways, 
loving him and his will in all ; and then resting persuaded 
of his love, though he chastise us, and even though we 
offend him, and see our offences in our chastisements, yet 
he is good ; plenteous in redemption, ready to forgive ;• 
therefore let Israel hope and trust. Let my soul roll itself 
on him, and adventure there all its weight. He bears 
greater matters, upholding the frame of heaven and earth? 
and is not troubled nor burdened with it.' 

" Three days after, he asked me to read one of New- 
ton's letters, from the volume entitled ' The Aged Pil- 
grim's Triumph.' He listened to me with interest, but 
did not speak, except to thank me. 

*^ When his meals were brought to him, he used to clasp 
his wasted hands, and ask a blessing ^I thank thee, 
heavenly Father, for these undeserved mercies to such an 
unworthy sinner.' There may be nothing more in the 
words than any other Christian would utter ; but the 
humility and reverence of his manner deeply affected us. 

*' Nearly the whole of Good Friday, he sat in a solemn 
prayerful meditation, with that exquisite print of Guido's 
before him, the head of our Saviour crowned with thorns. 
His attention seemed rivetted on it, but he said nothing. 

" On Easter Sunday the sacrament was administered 
at the church This day he regarded with peculiar 
reverence, and some new converts generally partook of 
the sacred ordinance at this time, whom he had been pre- 
paring during the past year. The delight with which he 
gave them these emblems of the body and blood of Christ 
was very uncommon. It would cheer his spirits for weeks. 
This was the first Easter Sunday during his residence at 
Turvey that he had been prevented from joining his church, 
and commemorating the resurrection of our blessed Re^ 



344 JffEMOIRS OP THE 

deemer, and he seemed to feel the privation deeply. Be^ 
fore we went to church, he told us to remember him at the 
table, and he would join the communion of the saints in 
his study. He said, ' i shall look at my watch, and mark 
the exact time and read the service, that I may be one 
with you in the fellowship of the redeemed.' On our re- 
turn we saw the prayer book Ofier before him, and he was 
still intent on the communion service. He looked up with 
great composure in his countenance, and said, < I have 
followed you in every sentence, and I think I may say, I 
have indeed been with you, and enjoyed a sweet com* 
munion.' 

•^ He had a great dislike to keep his bed ; and I cannot 
but acknowledge the goodness of God, that it was not 
necessary. He rose every day, to the last, and sat as 
usual in his study ; only getting up a httle later, and going 
to bed earlier, as his strength gradually failed him. The 
last fortnight he was very silent, and appeared constantly 
in prayer and meditation, — waiting his dismissal, and the 
end of his earthly pilgrimage. At this time, nothing 
seemed to disturb him ; and he appeared to realize the full 
import of that blessed promise, * Thou wilt keep him in 
perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.' I have 
often thought he exemplified the fliith his favourite Leigh- 
ton commends — ' Let thy soul roll itself on God, and ad- 
venture there all its weight.' It was indeed an unspeak- 
ble delight to us to observe the unruffled calm of his soul j 
and it confirmed our minds in the truth and value of the 
doctrines he had taught for thirty years. We had seen 
our beloved father prostrate in soul before God, under a 
consciousness of indwelling sin ; we had heard him be^ 
moaning himself, after a long life of usefulness, as an un- 
profitable servant, renouncing again and again all hope of 
salvation by his own goodness, and fleeing to Jesus as his 
only refuge. To use his words to C. H — , ' It is only by 
coming to Christ as a little child and as for the first time, 
that I can get peace.' Yet, though for a time perplexed, 
he was not forsaken. We saw him comforted of Gody 
and proving what he had often said to me — * Christ ha? 



REV, LEGH RICHMOND. 345 

firm hold of you, however feeble your grasp of him ;' and 
now we saw him strong in faith, and in the last hour of 
dissolving nature, rejoice in the sure and certain hope of 
the glory of God He did indeed find, to use the dying 
words ot my beloved brother, ' the rest that Christ gives 
is sweet.' He was silent but it was a nK)st expressive 
silence ; and revealed emotions of joy and praise not to 
be described. Many touching circumstances occurred, 
which showed both the man and the ('hristian ; but they 
are of too delicate a nature to be communicated beyond 
the circle of his own family. 

" Two days before his death he received a letter men- 
tioning the conversion of two persons (one of whom was a 
clergyman,) by the perusal of his tract, ' The Dairyman's 
Daughter.' When the letter was given him, he seemed too 
feeble to open it himself, and desu-ed Henry to read it to 
him. The contents deeply interested him He raised 
himself in his chair, lifted up his hand, and then let it fall 
down again ; while he repeatedly shook his head. His 
manner spoke the greatest humility, as if he would say — 
*How unworthy of such honour 1' For a few moments it 
seemed to administer a cordial to his fainting spirit, and 
led our minds, in referen<"e to our dear father to contem- 
plate the near fulfilment of that promise, ' They that turn 
many to righteousness, shall shine as the stars for ever and 
ever.' 

" On Tuesday, the iith of May, he rose later than usual ; 
I think it was twelve before he got into the study ; and he 
was so weak that he had great difficulty in walking there, 
from his bedroom His breath was short, and he looked 
very pale, but he said he felt no pain. He sat on his 
reading-chair, with his head resting on a pillow : his coun- 
tenance and manner was calm and peaceful fn the after- 
noon he could scarcely support himself; and I kneeled on a 
chair behind him, and he laid his head on my shoulder. 
Once he seemed to be fainting, but he soon revived ; and 
looking calmly at me, he said, « Better now, love ' 

^* Mamma could no longer stay in the room, and I was 



346 MEMOIRS OF THE 

left alone with him till five. He still said nothing, except 
to assure me he felt no pain. To the very last, it appear- 
ed to be his great desire to spare our feelings. We now 
persuaded him to go to bed, but we little thought death 
was so near. He could not walk, and we were going to ring 
for a servant, to assist him ; but he said, * I should like 
Henry to carry nie.' He was wasted to a skeleton ; 
Henry took him up with great ease, and we all followed. I 
shall never forget this most affecting moment : it was a mo- 
ment of anguish to me,' more than the last scene. H'e 
seemed to know that he was leaving the study, never to re- 
turn to it : his look told me that he knew it. This was hit- 
favourite room where for more than twenty years he had 
constantly carried on his pursuits. There he had written 
his books — studied his sermons — instructed his children — 
conversed with his flock, and offered daily sacrifice of 
praise and prayer. I watched him, as Henry carried him 
out : his countenance preserved the same look of fixed 
composure. He raised his head, and gave one searching 
look round the room, on his books — his table — his chair — 
his wife — his children ; — ^and then the door closed on him 
for ever ! He ^ave the same look round the gallery, 
through which we passed, as if he was bidding farewell to 
every thing. There was a peculiar expression in his coun- 
tenance, which I cannot describe ; it seemed to say, ' Be- 
hold, I die, but God will be with you !' Henry seated him 
in a chair ; and he sat to be undressed, like a little depen- 
dant child, in deep silence, but without the ruffling of a 
feature. 

'' About nine, he seemed rather wandering ; and made 
an effort to speak, but we could not make out his mean- 
ing ; only we perceived he was thinking of his church, for 
we heard him say several times, * It will be all confusion I' 
Mamma asked him what would be confusion. < The church I 
There will be such confusion in my church V 

^* About ten o'clock, he signified to mwmma, in the gen- 
tlest whisper, that he wished to be left alone — to send us 
all away, and draw the curtains round him. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 847 

<< About half-past ten, Mrs. G., the kind and faithful 
nurse of Willy, tapped at my door. I was reading the 
Bible, and had just reached that verse, < That ye be not 
slothful, but followers of them who through faith and pa- 
tience inherit the promises.' I have thought the coinci* 
dence remarkable, at least I trust it will ever give a quick- 
ening influence to that passage, when I read it. She told 
me to come and look at my father. She said, she could 
hardly tell whether there was any change or not. I hur* 
ried to him. He raised his eyes to heaven, and then closed 
them. I put my cheek upon his ; and I believe at that in- 
stant I felt, for T could not hear, his dying sigh. I thought 
he was sleeping, and continued looking at him, till Hannah 
said, * Your dear papa is in heaven.' I did not think him 
dead ; and I rubbed his still warm hands, and kissed his 
pale cheek, and entreated him to speak one word to me : 
but I soon found it was the silence of death. All turned 
to poor mamma, who w^as insensible ; and I was thus left 
alone with my dear father, kneeling beside him, with his 
hand in mine. The same holy calm sat on his countenance, 
and seemed to say — * Thanks be to God, who has given me 
the victory !' 

*' The scene that followed was truly afflictive. The grief 
of the widow and the fatherless was unchecked ; for he 
who had always comforted them, and bid them kiss the rod, 
was no longer with them. The contrast between the after 
scene of Wilberforce's and our beloved parent's death, 
was peculiarly affecting to me. When my brother died^ 
my father assembled us together, to implore resignation, 
and offer praise. But when he himself departed, all seem- 
ed gone. There was no one to collect us ; and we were 
scattered in wild sorrow, w ith a feeling of desolation which 
was quite unutterable, 

" We cannot, we ought not to forget such a father* 
Yea, I would add, < when I forget thee may my right hand 
f6rget her cunning.' 

" The hand of God has gone out against us — yet < the 
seed of the righteous is not forsaken.' He has cut ofl^ the 
* stream which made us glad,' — but praised be his name. 



348 MEMOIRS OP THE 

he invites us to the * living fountain/ where our souls may 
drink and be satisfied. 

'* Beheve me, my dear Mrs. F., 

" \our very affectionate, 

R R." 

Mr. Richmond was buried in the church of Turvey, and 
in the same vault which contained the remains of his be- 
loved Wilberforce, and of two infant sons. The affecting 
circumstances of the funeral are thus described by a friend, 
who was a spectator of the solemn scene. 

'< I was hastening to witness the sad obsequies of this 
excellent man ; the bell tolled heavily, and seemed to smite 
on my ear with more than ordinary solemnity. Sorrow 
was depicted on every countenance, and the mourners 
crossed my path at every step. Even the aged and the 
sick, who had long heard from his hps the glad tidings of 
salvation, crept out of their cottages, resting on their crut- 
ches, or leaning on the arm of friendship, to gaze on the 
mournful cavalcade, and weep over their melancholy be- 
reavement. 

*< Every eye exhibited the struggle of feeling, and spoke 
more for the memory of the deceased than volumes written 
in his praise Multitudes from the neighbouring villages 
were attracted to the spot, and came to pay their tribute 
of affection to the memory of one with whose name they 
had lone associated feelings of respect and esteem. The 
members of the men's club, established by Mr. Richmond 
at Turvey, had assembled with their long wands, clothed 
in mourning, and formed a double line from the rectory to 
the church porch. Through this avenue the body was 
borne, without interruption from the crowds of spectators. 
It was carried by six bearers, and the pall was held by the 
same number of clergymen from the neighbourhood, whose 
countenances, marked with profound sorrow, seemed to 
say, ' alas I my brother !' There followed as mourners, 
the family — the more respectable of the parishioners — the 
communicants — the friendly societies of young and old — 



REV* LEGH raCHMOKD^ 349 

the Sunday and day schools — and a long train of the poor, 
with many strangers who were present on the occasion. 
The men's club joined the procession as it passed along j 
and the whole presented to my eye the most affecting pic- 
ture of deep and sincere sorrow I ever witnessed. 

" The service was read, at the request of the family, by 
Mr. Grimshawe, who delivered an address at the conclusion 
of the funeral, in comphance with the wishes of the pa- 
rishioners, and in accordance with the custom of the de- 
ceased rector." 

The follow ing Sunday, a sermon was preached at Turvey 
fihurch, on the occasion, by the Rev. T. Fry, rector of Em- 
berton, to an overflowmg congregation. So great was the 
number of persons that attended, that many went away, 
unable to procure admittance. Not only was ever}^ space 
in the church and the chancels occupied but the marble 
monuments were covered with people, and even the large 
beams which supported the roof Mr. Richmond, some 
years before his decease, had selected a passage of Scrip- 
ture ; and Mr. Fry, in compliance with the washes of his 
friend, took his text from Romans vii. 24, 25, — ' O wretch- 
ed man that I ain ! who shall deliver me from this body of 
death ? I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.'* 

Letter from Mrs. Richmond : — 

"Dear Sir, 

" Allow me to assure you of the unfeigned satisfac- 
tion which I feel in addressing you as the biographer of my 
late most dear and lamented husband. 

" That the task has devolved on you, who were better 
acquainted than most others wMth the qualities of him whom 
you so justly love'd and valued, is a melancholy pleasure^ 
connected with my afflictive bereavement. 

" The confidential and affectionate intercourse, which 
for so many years subsisted between you, afforded nume- 
rous and varied opportunities for making a just estimate gf 
liis character ; and I feel full confidence that you will be 



* Sermons were preached in the neighbourhood by the e^it^" 
•sind other clergymen, the succeeding Sunday, 

31 



350 MEMOIRS OF THE 

faithful ill your own observations on this honoured servant 
of the sanctuary. 

" To Aim, indeed, it is a thing of nought ; — his witness 
is in heaven, and his record is on high. But to those 
whom be has left behind in this vale of tears, it is, I think* 
a lawful source of anxiety and interest, that * his name 
should be had in remembrance.' 

" His pitblic character you had more frequent and diver- 
sified means of appreciating tlian 1 had. But in the piivate 
and family circle, it may naturally be supposed that to my- 
self he was best known. 

"In the endeared relations of kvsband <ir\dfathe7\ those 
only knew his value who aie now left to deplore his loss. 
The honouied but unworthy partner of his weal and wo, 
can bear grateful testniiony. how truly be fulfilled the apos- 
tolic injunction of loving his wife ; how patiently he bore 
with her infirmities ; end with uhat tenderness of mind 
and refinement of feelmg, he manifested the daily recurring 
instances of his affectionate and devoted attachment. 

" The subject is sacred and delicate, and my pencil 
might be thoui^ht to colour too highly ; but on my ov^i 
heart is indelibi\ impressed the fond lemembranceof what 
he was to me — a remembrance which death only can 
efl:ace : — and which I humbly hope will be renewed, with 
increased powers of recollectioi , when I shall have come out 
of this great tribulatiois washed in the blood of the Lamb, 
nd made meet for the inheritance of the samts in light. 

" Nevertheless, I feel myself called upon to ofl^er the tri- 
bute of my heart's best efi'usions of gratitude, for a con- 
tinued course of connubial felicity, enjoyed by few to the 
same extent. To him I was indebted for thirty years of 
domestic happiness, from the recollections of which, < vi- 
sions of past enjoyment rise, in long and bright array ;' 
while I am painfully reminded that they are joys departed ; 
for, * in the forsaken tomb, the form beloved is laid !' 

" In how many instances did he cast the mantle of love 
over my deficiencies and short-comings ! — and when he 
might have been ' much bold in Christ, to enjoin me that 
which is convenient; yet, for love's sake, he rather be* 
sought me.' 



REV. LEGTI RICHx>IO:srD. 351 

*.' But it is as a candidate for heaven that I supremely 
leel my obligations to my departed husband. Here the 
dispenser and the possessor of all earthly joys must have 
their close ; — Here all sublunary bliss must cease ! But 
there, mortality t?hall put on immortality ; and the pleasures 
at God's right hand are for evermore. Vo him 1 owe the 
hope o^ never-ending happmess : and I rejoice in the bless- 
ed prospect, that from having been fellow-pilgrims on 
earth, we shall be fellow-heirs of glory in heaven. And 
if celestial happiness can be increased by the reunion of 
terrestrial objects of affection, mine must receive addition 
from again beholding him. The anticipation cheers my 
widowed heart. Oh ! that we mayatfain meet, ' with our old 
and witli our young, with our sons and with our daughters.' 

*• As a father he possessed a tenderness and sweetness 
of affection almost peculiar to hiiiiself How does my 
heart now thrill, while I recall the a.Tectionate and paren- 
tal emotions with which lie took each new-born babe in his 
arms ; and like Simeon of old, blessed it ! 1 hose prayers 
were registered in heaven, they have descended in Idess- 
ings on his children, and they are yet "the poition and 
inheritance for them, m their Father's house :' a bequest 
more precious than silver and gold. I doubt not that 
those prayers were accepted for the Saviour's sake ; and 
the survivinsr parent adds her petition — * Therefore, now 
let it please thee to bless the hou-e of thy servant, that it 
may continue for ever before thee : with thy blessing let 
the house of thy servant be blessed for ever ' 

'■ In pourtraying the general character of my dear bus- 
band, his peculiarly prominent ^eaxmeo^ benevolence should 
be specially noticed ; for he possessed it in the most ex- 
tended and comprehensive mear ing of the word. 

'" It was a universal k\ndnes^ and good-will best descri- 
bed by the charity which ' beareth all things, believeth all 
things, hopeth all things, endureth all things A charity 
which never failed.' I'here were occasions when accord- 
ing to man's wisdom, this virtue might have been and was 
thought to partake of the works of supererogation And 
certain it is, that in some instances, the unsuspecting sim- 
plicity of his disposition subjected him to consequences 



3^52 MEMOIRS er THE 

which fully proved that the children of this world ai'e wiser 
in their generation than the cliildren of light ! 

" But he was ever mindful of the admonition, ' never im- 
pute a bad motive to any one, while you can find a good 
one.' The motto which encircled his heart was, * glory ta 
God in the highest^ on earth peace, good will towards men.' 

" This was his Christian iDadge -y- nor can I recollect a 
single instance in which he ever laid it aside. * Speak not 
evil one of another,' was a very remarkable characteristic 
of my beloved husband. With David he said, ' I will take 
heed to my ways, that 1 sin not with my tongue.' He ap- 
peared never to lose sight of this caution, nor did he ever 
foil to check the forgetfidness of it in others when occa- 
sion required. 

" His oion breast was the sacred depository of any event, 
circumstance, or communication which cast reproach upon 
the church, or on individuals. And that with a conviction, 
founded upon the sure word of God, that ' the tongue is an 
unruly evil.' 

" You, dear sir, need not to be informed of his unweari- 
ed labours of love, when publicly engaged in the cause of 
God. You well know that he counted no personal sacri- 
fice too dear, so that he might win souls to Christ. 

" Were any tempted to think that he robbed his own to 
enrich others, and that enthusiasm carried him too often 
and too far from kindred ties, and from the appointed flock 
over which God had made him overseer ? Let wife, chil- 
dren, and flock, separately and unitedly declare, without 
partiality and without hyprocrisy, what was the spirit in 
which he returned among them. Was it not invariably * in 
the fulness of the gospel of peace,' replenished with fresh 
arguments for each, that ' laying aside all mahce, and all 
guile, and hypocrisies, and envying, and all evil speakings ; 
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live so- 
berly, righteously, and godly in this present evil world ; lay- 
ing up in store a good foundation against the time to come.- 
How animating were the details which he gave of his pro- 
gress through the varied scenes of his pilgrimage and how 
calculated to impress the conviction,, that the love of Christ 
constrained him,. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 353 

<* Nor let it be supposed that the breath of fame kindled 
in his bosom arjy desires at variance with the duhes of that 
more confined sphere in which he whs permanenily station- 
ed. I always considered his missionary labours as productive 
of fresh energies for the discharge of his parochial duties. 

*' Instant in season, out of season, he preached the word 
with invigorating power and demonstration of the spirit. 
Giving all diligence, to add to his ' faith virtue, and to vir- 
tue knowledge, and to knowledge temperance, and to tem- 
perance patience, and to patience ^'^odliriess, and to godli- 
ness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly-kindness charity,' 
These things being in him, and abounding, they made him, 
that he was neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge 
of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

'• But his days are accomplished : he rests from his la- 
bours. He is now become a citizen of Zion, answerable 
to the description of David, - Lord, who shall abide in thy 
tabernacle ? Who shall dwell in thy hr)ly hill ? He that 
walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh 
the truth from his heart.' Afid having joined the hundred 
forty and four thousand, in concert he proclaims, ' not by 
works of righteousness which we have done, but according 
to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, 
and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he shad on us 
abundantly through Jesus Christ.' 

" It might naturally have been expected, that the hori- 
zon around this setting sun would have been gilded with 
many a bright thouj^h depirting ray ; and that he would 
have winged his flight to glory, commencing the hallelujahs 
on earth, so soon to be attuned to harps of gold m heaven : 
that jjnding the end of all things was at hand, he would 
have spoken ' as the oracles of God, — declaring that he 
had not followed cunningly devised fables, when he made 
known the power of our Lord Jesus Christ.' That such 
was not the case, can, I think, be best accoimted for by 
those who have most cause to mourn the deprivation. 

"The feelings of the husband and tho father were too 
sensitive for the weakened frame, which shrunk from the 
excitement to be apprehended from any direct allusion to 

31* 



354 MEMOIRS or tbe 

tile mournful event which was about to rend asunder a fint 
so strongly uniting the family chain. This was the bitter- 
ness of death. For his own soul, he had long committed 
it to the keeping of God, in well-domg, as unto a faithful 
Creator ; but he would not hazard an interruption to the 
peaceful calm with v> hich he anticipated his dismissal from 
die body. He saw the restrained anguish of my heart, and 
forbore to probe the wound, which he knew was rankling. 
This it was that imposed silence. 

" A more tranquil departure could neither have been 
wished nor granted. Every tumult was hushed, — all was 
serene, — death had lost its sting, for he had gained the vic- 
tory through our Lord Jesus Christ With the utniost 
composure, he put his house in order, feeling that he must 
die, and not live. The placidity of his countenance ex- 
pressed the peace within, speaking more than words could 
have done ; ' and now. Lord, what wait I for ? truly my^ 
hope is even in thee.' Can I ever forget the morning of 
that day which closed upon me as a widow (oh 1 word of 
sorrow) and desc late. With what prophetic earnestness did 
he pronounce the assurance, ' God will never leave you, 
nor forsake you It is impossible.^ 

" This may be said to have been his parting benediction^ 
For though some few hours more did elapse, before the de- 
parture of the spirit to God who gave it, yet the powers of 
nature were so exhausted, that briefly reminding me, * how 
merciful the Lord had been to us for many years,' and 
with a short exhortation to resignation, he continued in si- 
lent composure, waiting the arrival of the heavenly convoy, 
to be ushered into the presence of Him whom, not having 
seen, he loved — and whom now beholding, and knowing 
even as he is known, he fails down and worships ; uniting 
with the innumerable company of angels, the spirits of just 
men made perfect, and the multitude which no man can 
number, ip singing the song of Moses and the Lamb, 
f Mark the upright man, and behold the perfect ; for the 
end of that man is peace.' 

'' Such was my beloved husband, in life and in deatlK 
What he is in glory, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard.^ 
ir^eitiiei? hath entered into the heart to conceive. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 355 

' Thug much (and this is all) we know, — 
He is supremely blest ; 
Ha^ done with sin, and care, and wo. 
And with his Saviour rests." 

♦* In giving this transcript, dear sir, of thoughts so deeply 
engraven on my heart, many a pang has been revived. 
Memory retraces joys and sorrows, each in their turn a 
source of grief. I am painfully reminded that God * hath 
stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my 
head ' I see myself surrounded by the pledges of an ardent 
attachment, and I remember that my children < are orphans 
and fatherless — their mother is a widow.' They must set 
sail on the ocean of life ex[)Osed to the chilling blasts of 
this inhospitable ciirne, without a pilot to warn them of the 
rocks and quicksands to which they will be exposed. The 
guide of their youth, he who would have given to the young 
man knowledge and discretion, is separated from them. 
How often will they have need to cry out, ' My father, my 
father!' 

*' For myself, I am left to travel the remainder of my 
pilgrimage solitary and alone. The bosom upon which I 
was wont to recline, no longer beats with affectionate sym- 
pathy, responsive to my joys and sorrows. The evening of 
my days must close in cheerless solitude : but the voice of 
God is in this dispensation, and it becomes me to hearken 
unto it. He doth not willingly grieve, but says, ' turn you 
at my reproof 

" May the Lord * make me to know my transgression 
and sin. May my soul keep it still in remembrance, and 
be humbled in me.' 

" < Who is wise and he shall understand these things ? 
Prudent, and he shall know them ? For the ways of the 
Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them.' 

"1 am, my dear sir, your's, very truly, 

Mary Richmond."" 

We feel extreme reluctance to trespass on this hoi} 
ground, or interrupt the train of solemn thought and feel- 
ing which these interesting letters of a beloved wife and an 
affectionate child, must have inspired in the minds of our 
readers. Yet we cannot close this Memoir with satisfaction 
to ourselves or justice to our esteemed friend, without no- 



336 aEHOiRS OP the 

ticing a few of those qualities for which he appears to us ami 
to all who knew him, to hive been eminently distinguished. 

The following testimonies from those who possessed am- 
pie opportunities of forming a just estimate of his character, 
are at once a faithful and honourcible record both of his 
public and private virtues. They will not be the less ac- 
ceptable in being offered, for the most part, by men whose 
names are associated with the distinguished institutions that 
adorn the times in which we live. 

" I not only witnessed " says Dr. Steinkopff " the ability 
with which he publicly advocated the cause of the Bible 
Society, and the powerful and beneficial impression which his 
addresses produced on numerous and highly respectable au- 
diences, but T also felt delighted with his Christian conver- 
sation. I saw him devoutly perusincf those sacred pages which 
he so effectively recommended to the attention of others, 
and heard many an edifyinjj remark dropping from his lips. 

" Instead of living to himself, he felt an ardent desire to 
live to the honour and alory of Him who died for him, and 
rose again. He closely watched his own heart, temper, 
and disposition ; and often expressed himself in terms of 
the most unfeigned humility and self-abasement, — renounc- 
ing all dependence on what he had done, and relying ex- 
clusively on the free grace of God, and the merits of his 
adorable Redeemer, fn all mv interviews with him, I wit- 
nessed a serenity of mind and cheerfulness of temper, pe- 
culiarly calculated to recoiuiiiend the rehgion of Christ." 

" By his fine imacrination," observes the Rev. Mr. 
Bickersteth, " his devotional spirit, his full and copious flow 
of expression, and his rich exhibition of the good tidings of 
redeeming grace, he interested, in a very uncommon de- 
gree, the large assemblies he was accustomed to address. 
Some of his most extemporaneous addresses had a beauty 
of conception and a glow of feeling quite irresistible. Very 
many in our own country can testify that, through his la- 
bours, they not only first became sensible of the importance 
of missions, but the value of their own souls, and the infi- 
nite price at which they were redeemed." 

In allusion to his exertions in behalf of the Jews, the 
Rev. Mr. Hawtrev remarks : — 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 357 

" There was something in the cause of poor benighted 
and outcast Israel, which seemed peculiarly congenial with 
his affectionate and sympathising spirit. To exhibit their 
wrongs, and paint their sorrows, was a work in which he 
delighted to be engaged ; and he did so with such genuine 
feeling and pathetic eloquence that few could resist his ap- 
peals ; and it would not be easy to iefine how much, under 
God, that now widely diffused compassion for this interest- 
ing but long negh^cted people, is to be attributed to his 
pious and able exertions in their behalf." 

" Enough has been witnessed by me," says the Rev, 
Mr. Hughes *' on the load, in families, and at public 
meetings to furnish the materials of an ample testimony in 
favour of that excellent and extraordinary man. 1'o a 
sound understanding, a full command of thoughts and lan- 
guage, a free and graceful utterance, and an exuberant 
imagination, he added those qualities of the heart, which 
endeared him to the whole of that largre circle in which he 
moved. Piety, candour, courtesy and Christian kindness, 
were embodied in all his demeanour. Who that knew him 
could evey be reminded of the gall of bitterness, except by 
the perfect contrast of his own admirable dispositions ? 

" If all the professed ministers and disciples of our Lord 
shone with a radiance so mild, and exeinplified a zeal so 
pious and affectionate, then would the church embody her 
arguments and persuasions in their most effective and im- 
pressive form." 

The Rev. Mr Jones, of Creaton, one of his oldest and 
most esteemed friends, thus writes ; — 

*' He was no common man ; whether considered as a 
writer, a speaker, a pastor, a parent, or a friend. I always 
felt it my honour and happiness to have the benefit of his 
acquaintance, and a share in his affections ; which I hap- 
pily enjoyed without interruption, from the time he came 
to reside at Turvey, to the day he entered his eternal rest. 
And I can now declare, with the greatest truth, that the 
nearer I came to him and the more opportunities I had of 
entering into his real character, principles, and disposition^ 
the more I loved and esteemed him." 



358 MEMOIRS OF THE 

*« I admit,'' remarks the Rev. Mr. Fry, *Uhat the best 
of men are men at the best ; and that rehgion has sustain- 
ed no small injury Yrom the unmeasured and injudicious- 
encommms bestowed on its professors, by fri-ends and par- 
tisans. Legh ilichmond njight have his weaknesses, as 
well as others, but his faults were the excesses of his vir- 
tues. After a very intimate and confidential intercourse 
with him for more than twenty years, i may aver in the 
perfect integrity of truth, that in my judgment he was 
equalled by few, ;utd excelled l>y none. Although there is 
a considerable affinity of cliaracter in the general attain- 
ments and labours of the distmguished servants of God, 
there w^ere some qualities in him which might be more 
peculiarly called his oum. 

*' Harmony is the perferfion of character, and Legh 
Richmond exhibited a beauuful combination of varied ex- 
cellencies. With an acknowledged superiority of talents 
and acquijements, aiid with a tide of p-^pularity and use- 
fulness, which might have induced a train of fearful temp- 
tations, he possessed a deep consciousness of his own un- 
worthiness, and his conduct was marked with a most un- 
feigned meekness and humility ; no one could be more 
exempt from display His rich stores of material were 
always at hand, but they were never brought forward tilt 
the occasion called for them. It is often seen that men of 
commanding minds are careless of the feelings of others, 
and unwilling to stoop to the infirnjities of the weak. In 
Legh Richmond were united stiength and sweetness; he 
had a head of intellect, and a heart of love,' as was ex- 
pressively observed by my friend Mr. Garrard. He pos- 
sessed powers to grapple with a giant, and sensibility that 
would not trample on a worm ; tenderness, forbearance, 
and sympathy characterised his interrourse with everyone. 

" Men of fine taste and delicate perceptions, are fre- 
quently betrayed into fastidiousness ; and are apt to be of- 
fended with the coarseness and peculiarity which sometimes 
disfigures a sincere and genuine profession of rehcrion ; but 
Mr. Hichmond kept his eye fixed on the jewel, however 
rough and unsightly the casket which contained it. 

'• His largeness of heart embraced every part of the 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 359 

church of Christ, and the kindness and cordiaHty of his 
manner endeared him to all. 

" From his connexion and correspondence with good 
men of every denomination, he was suspected by some of 
indifference and laxity towards the principles of his own 
community. 

*« But if he be the best churchman, the purity of whose 
doctrine, and the fidelity of whose labours have the most 
direct tendency to check the progress of dissent, and to at- 
tract numerous worshippers within the walls of our own 
Zion, no man ever possessed a juster claim to this title than 
the subject of the present Memoir. 

" He was conscientiously and firmly attached to the dis- 
cipline as well as to the doctrine of the establishment, and 
never shrunk from its defence, when he thought himself 
called upon to advocate its cause * 

" He was remarkable for his disinterestedness, and when- 

* Mr. Richmond once met the late P»,ev. Andrew Fuller, the well 
known secretary of the Bapti?t MissioDary Society, at the house of 
Mr Livius, in Bedford. The conversation turned on the Ritual of 
the Church of En^^land. Mr. Fuller remarked, ** that it assumed 
the sincerity of the worshijiper, which he considered a defect." 
*^ How would you frame these serrices r" said Mr. Richmond : 
*^ The Church presumes, in the judgement of charity, that all her 
worshippers are sincere, and forms her Ritual on this principle. If 
they are not sincere, the greater is their responsibility." '• But the 
fact," said Mr. F., *' is otherwise ; and charity, unsupported by fact, 
is misplaced." ** How would you remedy the defect.''" rejoined 
Mr. Richmond. Here the conversation was interrupted. The 
time being arrived for family worship, Mr. Richmond expounded a 
passage of Scripture, and Mr. Fuller concluded with prayer ; after 
which, our friend observed, with a smile, "^ your prayer, sir, is lia- 
ble to the same objection v/hieh you make to the services of our 
church. Your petitions for parclim and ^race, your acknowledg- 
ment of guilt, your hope and confidence in God were all generally 
offered up without qualification, as expressive of the feelings and 
sentiments of the whole assembly." "How would you have me 
pray .^" said Mr. F. " Precisely as you did," replied Mr. Rich- 
mond, — " but you must no longer adhere to your objection ; for 
you were not warranted to believe, except in the judgment of cha- 
rity, that all the members of the family were sincere worshippers. 
You have this night authorised the principle on which our services 
were constructed, by your own example." 



360 MEUOIBS OF THE 

ever he asked a favour, it was for others, and not for him- 
self Perhaps I cannot better illustrate this part of his 
character than by relating an anecdote of Mr. Howe (one 
of Oliver CromweU's chaplains,) to whom, in many points, 
Legh Richmond bore a strong resemblance. Hr. Howe 
was applied to for protection, by men of all parties, in 
those eventful times ; and it is said of him, that he never 
refused his assistance to any person who was a ' worthy 
man,' whatever might be his religious tenets. * Mr. Howe' 
(said the Protector to his chaplain, * you have asked favours 
for every body beside yourself, pray when does your turn 
come.' * My turn, my lord Protector,' said Mr. Howe, 
' is always come when I can serve another.' 

" He had a great abhorrence o^ slander ^ in any form or 
on any occasion : he shrunk from its foul breath, as if he 
feared his own soul would be polluted by it. It was a 
maxim with him, ' never impute a had motive where you 
can find a good one ; nor repeat a thing to the disadvantage 
of another, where imperious necessity does not require it.' 

" It is no small praise to say of any man, ' they loved him 
best, who knew him most.' Legh Richmond had not an 
inmate of his family, whether wife, child, or servant, per- 
haps scarcely a parishioner, who can even now hear his 
name without emotion. 

" It is little to say. that I truly loved him, and shall ever 
cherish his memory with affectionate veneration. 

'< You, my dear friend, have a difficult task imposed on 
you, and much less time allowed than is needful, to satisfy 
the public or yourself, in the execution of a work which is 
intended to exhibit the' character of one ' ivho loas both a 
good and a great man, in every person's estimation hut his 

We merely add one more short testimony, from the Rev. 
Mr. Gauntlett, the vicar of Olney. 

" Thousands, and tens of thousands, who have hung witJi 
admiration, affection, and interest on his eloquent addresses 
from the pulpit and the platform, will unite in the sentiment 
that < a great man is fallen.' 1 he sermons of Legh Rich- 
mond were characterised not only by a depth of piety, 
and a sound orthodoxy, in strict conformity with the Scrip- 



REV. LEGH RrCHMOA^D. 361 

lures, and with the fathers of the l^^nghsh church, but like- 
wise by the most patlietic and afFeftionate appeals to his 
auditors on the subject of-personal religion His addresses 
on public occasions, in behalf of many of the reliixious so- 
cieties, were marked by extraordinary powers of descrip- 
tion ; by a pathos which dteply inteiested and dffected his 
audience ; by felicitou and appropriate references to pre- 
sent circumstances, arisuig from the ofcasion ; and by an 
eloquence peculiar to hnnself, which must have been wit- 
nessed to be duly appreciated. Mr. Hichmond was strictly 
an exteniporantious speaker. The remarks ot his brethren 
and others on the platform were fiequently made the occa- 
sions on which he formed the most judicious cctoiments, 
gratifying to their authors, illustrative of the subject, and 
which, while they delighted, at the same time instructed 
and edified his auditors. ''^ 

We intended to have draw^n a summary of the character 
of Mr. Richmond, founded on recollections of nearly 
twenty years' continuance ; but our anxiety to afford room 
for the contributions of others leaves little space for our own. 
We shall, therefore, brieflv add a few remarks to what 
has been already said oi^ his extemive usefulness. Numer- 
ous indeed are the testimonies to this fact ; not limited to 
the precincts of his own parish, but extended to various 
parts of the kingdom. Many at the last day from all por* 
tions of the world, who have read his tracts wath profit and 
edification, will rise up and call him blessed ! 

The cause of this signal usefulness we consider to have 
been, not merely his acknowledged gifts and endowments^ 
but rather the singular fidelity with which he uniformly 
exalted the Saviour, and humbled the sinner. The un- 
ceasing subject of his ministrations and writings, was <* Je- 
sus Christ, and him crucified." Christ was exhibited in 
bis varied ofl[ices, as prophet, priest and king — embodied 
in every precept and promise, — and his power, faithfulness, 
grace, and love, urged with aflfectionate and impressive 
earnestness. We w^ould here beg emphatically to add. 
fliat it is only in proportion as this great truth forms the 

32 



362 MEMOIRS OF THE 

basis and end of the Christian ministry, thai tlie divine biesi- 
ing can be the ultimate reward and seal of all its labours. 

His publication of' The Fathers of the English Church' 
is the first systematic attempt in modern times to commu- 
nicate to the public the writings of the Reformers ; and by 
its powerful influence in restoring the standard of sound 
Protestant doctrine, is a noble memorial of his labours. 

If it be said, that in the above outline there ^'s a faithful 
enumeration of w^hat is excellent in the character of Legii 
Richmond, and that what now remains is with equal fidelity 
to record what is defective ; painful as it is ai all times to 
exercise so ungrateful an office w^e are nevertheless sup- 
ported Dy the conviction that we can record no blemish 
that affected the lovehness of the Christian, or the estima- 
tion of the man. In endeavouring, therefore, to discharge 
this duty, it will perhaps awaken the astonishment of the 
reader, who has been contemplating the laborious career of 
his life, to be told that indolence was naturally his besetting 
sin, ' the thorn in the flesh,' against vviiich he had unceas- 
ingly to contend. It will be remembered that in his diary,., 
tlie following remarkable words occur; * sloth, detested 
sloth, how does it injure my advancement ;' and again. 
^ what methods shall I take to cure my spiritual slothful- 
ness ? There must be a struggle and agony — heaven must 
he taken with violence.' We more particularly mention 
this fact, that we may magnify that grace which could thus 
convert indolence into activity, and supineness into zeal, till 
Jife itself became the sacrifice of his exertions, and he diei 
literally spent in iiis Master's service.* 

Let the reader improve the knowledge of this circum- 
stance to his own personal edification, and reflect that na- 
tural infirmities afford no justification for their indulgence : 
that they are not only to be resisted, but may be subdued : 
that God's strength is perfected in man's weakness, and 

♦ It was stated by Dr. Thackeray, a well known and highly rer 
spectable physician in Bedfordshire, who attended him in his last 
illness, that he feU a martyr to his ministerial labours, — that the 
death of his son might have liastened the event, but that his frame 
|tad been sinking for the last two years. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 363 

tliat divine truth has declared for our encouragement, " my 
orace is sufficient for thee." 

There vvis also an excess of sensibility in Mr. Rich- 
mond's character, often mjnriuus to his inward serenity 
and comfort, and which placed his feehngs too much under 
the dominion of others His tender spirit could not bear 
an unkind word, and still less an uncharitable act ; and in 
the hours of confijdenlial intercourse, he would deeply 
mourn over a tendency, even m what is called the religious 
world, to exercise a censorious Si)irit, incompatible with 
Christian chanty, and with the precepts of the Gospel, 
which enjoin us to " hear one another's burdens, and so to 
fulfil the law of Christ ;" and lo '* judge not, lest we our- 
selves be judged of the Lord " 

We have already alluded to his unfitness for the secular 
concerns and busiiTess of rojnmon life It mio^ht be that 
his mind was absorbed with higher contemplations, and 
thit he forgot the perishing dust of this earth, in his pursuit 
after the imperishable riches of heaven. His excellent 
wife amply supplied the omission ; and the manner in 
which his children have been brought up and educated, to 
the period of his decease, is the best commentary on the 
subject. 

To Legh Richmond the judgment of man mu.^t now be 
a matter of profound inditlerence. Praise the most ele- 
vated can add nothing to the enjoyments of that scene on 
which he has entered ; censure the most severe can de- 
tTact nothing from its blessedness. Let it rather be oiir 
inquiry, how we may best imitate the virtues that have 
been recorded, and finally attain the same blessed end. 

The grace of God, which was so eminently manifested 
in his case, let us humbly and earnestly invoke for our- 
selves. It may not be communicated to us rn the like pro- 
portion — w^e may neither be distinguished by his endow- 
ments, nor honoured with the same extent of usefulness ; 
but fidelity is attainable by all whatever be the measure of 
their qualifications, or opportunities of doing good. To 
the possessor of ten talents is assigned the corresponding 
obligation to improve them adequately to the glory of their 



ob4 MEMOIRS OF THE 

great Giver : while from the lowest attainments &nd the 
humblest labourer will be demanded what is recorded oi" 
the zeal of a Magdalene — " she hath done what she could." 
While we respectfully address these remarks to all, we 
more especially beg to apply them to those who sustain 
the high office of the Christian pastor. 

And oh ! how great and tr mscendent will be the reward 
bf the Christian pastor who has laboured with patience^ 
and has not fainted, and who shall at length reap the har- 
dest of an eternal blessedness ! His trials may, in nume- 
rous instances, be sicrual, as in the case of Legh Rich- 
mond ; and successive purifying dispensations may be the 
ordained mess ngers of God's providence, and necessary 
to accomplish the mysterious |)urposes of his grace ; but 
the days of mourning shall have an end, and the year of re- 
compence is at hand. And then how. justly may we ap- 
ply the animatinsT language recorded m the Volume of in- 
spiration : — '* Who are these which are arrayed in white 
robes ? And whence came they ? And I said unto him. 
sir, thou knowest. And he said unto me. These are they 
who came out of great tribulation, and have washed their 
robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve 
him day and night in his temple : and he that sitteth on the 
throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no 
more, neither thirst an^ more ; neither shall the sun hght 
on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the 
midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them 
unto living fountains of waters ; and God shall wipe awax^ 
aU tears from their eyes." 



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